Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial

The Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial is a granite and bronze memorial on Commonwealth Avenue Mall dedicated to nine fallen firefighters. The structure features a bronze firefighter helmet and coat with the names of the victims inscribed on its granite surface.

On June 17, 1972, nine firefighters died when the Hotel Vendome collapsed during cleanup operations following a fire. This remains one of the deadliest incidents in Boston Fire Department history.

The memorial serves as a gathering space where the city pauses to honor those who died in service. Local residents and visitors stop here to pay respects and reflect on the sacrifice made by firefighting personnel.

The memorial is located on Commonwealth Avenue Mall and easily accessible on foot from nearby transit stops. Visitors can sit on the bench to read the inscribed names while viewing the original Hotel Vendome building across the avenue.

The memorial was dedicated in 1997 and remains lesser-known compared to other Boston landmarks despite marking one of the city's deadliest disasters. The human cost extended far beyond the firefighters, affecting eight families who suddenly lost their breadwinners.