The Pioneer Hotel Fire | A Short Documentary | Fascinating Horror

[@seandelap6268]

I like how this channel consistently covers tragedies I've never heard of and you don't see covered elsewhere.

[@christopherweise438]

I was just going to say that, but you beat me to it. I consider myself a history nerd, and this channel consistently surprises me.

[@BrenMurphy1]

Keep it going, use " consistently " in every subsequent comment in this thread 💫

[@CORNERSUNDERATTACK]

Hoping to continuously continue on with the continues…

[@EM-wt6qe]

That's my favorite part too

[@conradallen9864]

I’m a New Zealander/Kiwi and the Tangiwai rail disaster was taught in primary schools, growing up. So, not unknown here in NZ. However the vast majority of what this channel presents is certainly unknown to me. Great coverage!

[@perpetuallity7284]

This has probably been mentioned before, but, on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing viewers, thank you so much for the excellent subtitles. They are the best I've ever seen :D

[@jeremytravis360]

Ditto. I appreciate the perfect subtitles as well. and I have mentioned before. Thats why I only have a few subscriptions on KZbin.

[@jbrubin8274]

You’re absolutely correct on both points. 👏💯 One- those who are deaf or have a family member who is, knows just how important those cc can be. Two- Yes it has been mentioned beforehand. But I like that it happens so often. Maybe if the other content creators see how much noise we make in the comments section they’ll catch on too. 🤞

[@natas3.14]

I was completely unaware, & immediately upon reading your comment, I tapped the ( CC) icon. I will agree, his subtitles are topnotch. No misses, or verbal substitutions, & I don't know that I have ever seen a more appropriate speed. In a word, perfect! ... unfortunately yes, hearing impairment is a rather harsh reality for me, 100% loss in right ear, &, ( or, I could say " but only") 15- 20% in left. Haven't seen the doc in regards, since I finally got a neat, near invisible hearing aid, thought..."huh, I forgot how much noise is just always present. My ol' lady talked to me about visiting her sister, garage sales, stuff, more stuff, I couldn't just turn my head, so suddenly realized it was the only time I could mow. Somehow I guess I lost that little miracle, in the 2.5 acres that was my lawn. Figured I may have accidentally ran it over with the mower. Just haven't had the heart to face the doc, that was 3 years ago.

[@P_RO_]

I'm hard of hearing too, but able to clearly hear these videos due to9 the 4excellent audio quality and volume. I have to strain to hear most of what's on YT and it's refreshing when I don't.

[@andrewbrundin6953]

Love this channel!!

[@g.sergiusfidenas6650]

Absolutely disgusting what they did to Taylor, that's victim number 30 of this incident.

[@pieterdebie4162]

Agreed, these are 2 tragedies in one episode.

[@BellaBarossa]

Totally agree.

[@Nostripe361]

@@pieterdebie4162 Not only did an innocent man get out in prison, but if it really was arson, then the real criminal got away with mass murder.

[@knickd1979]

I’m the one who suggested this topic to the creator of FH. While there was reason for doubt, there was also evidence against him that wasn’t mentioned by FH. For example, when police apprehended him he had a ridiculous amount of matches in his pockets. He also was spotted near the origins. It’s not definitive either way, but he got released because the science behind the investigations was weak in 1970

[@madhippy3]

You beat me to it. What a mess. He might be a live but he will never get those decades back. And the deal he made so the city could save face still accuses him of the crime! No justice at all!!!

[@RobynS9722]

Sad about Taylor. Wrongful convictions break my heart. I can't imagine going to prison for something I didn't do. Thank you once again for a fascinating, yet horrific, story.

[@ashotofmercury]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 That doesn't mean he was an arsonist!! 🤦‍♀

[@puddinpop1312]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 that's not worth 28 life sentences

[@Annie_Annie__]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 So not repaying the company for a few dollars of drinks is worth 28 life sentences in prison?!

[@Annie_Annie__]

@@TheDogGoesWoof69 And how was he supposed to repay the company when he’s been in prison since 1970? With what money? Not a lot of money to be made when you’re wrongfully behind bars.

[@ABrit-bt6ce]

They found the brown guy so case closed. Don't hate me hate whoever thought that in the first place.

[@ChristionGirl45]

I could never imagine having to make the choice between jumping to my death or being burned alive. What I've learned from all of these fire related videos, is that if the owners of these building's would have the proper fire prevention tools installed, sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke detectors, etc. Then the fire could of been either prevented or at least tamed enough that people from the higher floors could have a chance to escape. This is why cutting corners when it comes to safety features is a big old No, No!!

[@BitterBetty76]

They needed some updates that's (for fire) for sure .

[@RICDirector]

It was the SEVENTIES, people. Much of what is standard now didnt exist then.

[@evil1by1]

@@RICDirector you say that like that was prehistoric. First sprinkler invention: 1812 Fire alarm: 1852 Electrical fire alarm: 1890 Heat based smoke detector: 1902 Ionization smoke detector available:1951 First modern style smoke detector:1965 First battery operated modern detector: 1970 So yeah they had *all* these to chose from and they chose to do nothing

[@MegaBrokenstar]

They didn’t cut any corners. This was the most advanced fire safety system available when the building was built. Fire retardant wood and carpet didn’t exist in 1929.

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

This stirred heartbreaking memories of 9/11 and the indelible images of the towers’ desperate “jumpers” seared on our collective American minds. RIP those lost.

[@Lavender_and_lemonade]

I work in fire/police dispatch and am always fascinated by how earlier disasters change and effect how we do things now.

[@cheeriosforhonkies8867]

The Winecoff Hotel fire of December 7, 1946, was the deadliest hotel fire in United States history, (and still is) killing 119 hotel occupants, including the hotel's original owners. This is a much more interesting fire as it was the start of ALL fire safety regulations across the United States. Which btw makes THIS fire so much more like intentional homicide! So much was learned in 1946 that declaring any building “absolutely fireproof” was a callous, intentional disregard for all human life! This would be a great disaster to cover. This happened in Atlanta , GA

[@Hannah_Em]

What do you mean about this fire being more like intentional homicide? I'm not sure I follow the logic

[@argylewarrior1]

@@Hannah_Em the 1946 fire predates this one, and a lot of the lessons from that fire were disregarded. similar to how the grenfell tower fire was a disaster because of how the building was renovated with improperly installed and inappropriate materials. if you build something unsafe and misrepresent it as the safest ever and then people are harmed, liability is a thing. if you intentionally created a blatantly unsafe situation for profit, and a death resulted, you could argue that the premeditated crime with knowingly fatal consequences would amount to murder. it'd be a tough case to prosecute, and the responsible parties were dead, so it's a little moot.

[@dinascharnhorst6590]

The start of all fire safety regulations? Not the Cocoanut Grove fire of 1942, the Hartford, Connecticut/Barnum and Bailey Circus fire of 1944, or the Iroquois Theater fire of 1903?

[@ralphm5801]

I didn't know this was a contest. Hopefully the victims of any catastrophic fire are treated with respect irregardless of their differing locations/circumstances.

[@henryturnerjr3857]

Amazing you could proclaim something "fireproof" despite having very little safety precautions and being constructed of 98% flammable materials and people would just BELIEVE it! That's why I am thankful for the Fire, health and OSHA inspectors although most people regard it as a hassle.

[@bobblebardsley]

You should see what they said about the Titanic 😣

[@wheezesanchez5661]

I used to be a laborer and I can tell you that even the lowest level grunts thought OSHA was just there to make their lives harder. "No, they exist to make sure you leave this place with all your fingers", I told more than a few.

[@christophermerlot3366]

It's like calling a ship unsinkable.

[@WestonEvans]

Spoken like someone who’s never pulled a permit in their life

[@christopherweise438]

See April 15, 1912 for another example. Flawed steel plate with impurities, wrought iron rivets, and bulkheads that didn't make a full seal......yet she was "unsinkable".

[@TRex-fu7bt]

Wow, Taylor getting railroaded for arson and locked up for life is a bonus horror story.

[@Cramblit]

He wasn't railroaded... This video didn't do it justice for everything they had against him and touted it as a "flaky evidence". He was seen by multiple people at the site of origin for both fires. He was caught shortly after with handfuls of matches in his pockets. Oh and he's also back in prison for life after only 4 years out because of armed robbery charges and other charges... So yea... let your heart bleed for this worthless fuck, he got what he deserved the first time around.. He killed all those people by setting that fire.

[@Willpower-74205]

One of the things I like the most about these videos is the lessons that people learn in the wake of tragedies like this. Sometimes all it takes is someone to stand up and say, "We can't let something like this happen again!" Lesson learned. Another thing I like are the improvements and/or preventative measures taken afterward so that such tragedies don't happen again. Another excellent video! 😎👍

[@lesmorrow226]

I’m surprised you’ve never done an episode on the Winecoff Fire, the deadliest hotel fire in the US.

[@sixstringedthing]

42 years for the crime of being Black/Mexican near a major disaster. Not-so-fun fact: The civil statute of limitation for wrongful imprisonment in Arizona is only 1 year, but whoever negotiated Taylor's release included a "no contest" condition as part of his plea bargain just to make sure that he could not sue the state for damages even if he wanted to. Even after forty-two years, the great State of Arizona was not done screwing with this guy. Poor bloke. And may the victims rest in peace.

[@Anna-Rose-]

That's what happened to the West Memphis 3. Absolutely no evidence against them. They were straight railroaded. They were released after agreeing to an Alford Plea.

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

If he wanted, he could get that agreement overruled in a higher court. Without too much problem.

[@cjclark2002]

Admission of guilt if you ask me, disgusting.

[@piragintheevercorpulent1526]

@@cjclark2002 do you mean that Taylor was guilty? If so, then that's baffling because his only other choice would have been to remain in prison despite finally given a chance to leave after 40 years.

[@cjclark2002]

@@piragintheevercorpulent1526 no, the states terms to release him is practically as admission of responsibility and guilt.

[@daysiewaysie]

not only is each tragedy completely engrossing, excellently researched and delivered in compassionate and sympathetic manner, but i also find i'm broadening my vocabulary and being introduced to new words with each new episode. This channel is simply excellent. Not too far now until the fully deserved 1M subscribers

[@Ihateschoolsobadly]

Facts. Nothing but appreciation and love for this channel.

[@ridethasno]

2:14am here in Washington State US. Sending love to whoever reads this. ❤️

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

Hello from Wisconsin originally from Chi, Sup? 🙂✌️

[@robertthomson1587]

Sydney, Australia at 7.28pm

[@Lisa_0519]

18:40 Korean time 🌅 Make this a great one (morning, day or night)!

[@sandybruce9092]

I remember the Pioneer Hotel fire very well. I lived in Phoenix almost my whole life (1955-2003) and had just started dated a guy who live in Tucson (we were in college - ASU - at the time). The accountability for the fire was totally mishandled in so many ways.

[@rogerhinman5427]

And nobody from the fire department was held accountable for dismissing three calls of the fire as a prank. Maybe if they had responded in the manner of a proper fire department they wouldn't have had to act so heroically, and more lives would have been saved.

[@nobodyspecial4702]

Because its hearsay and the evidence doesn't support it. If they hadn't responded immediately, they wouldn't have arrived "within minutes."

[@Unownshipper]

Are you an actual firefighter? I get you indignation, but be logical: how much difference would that have made? How much time was actually wasted checking if it was a prank? 5 minutes? The layout, finishing, height, and ventilation of the building caused the fire to spread so quickly, not the response time of the responders. Even if they went into action immediately after the first call, the blaze still would've been out of control. If it was a modern building, then yes I agree every second counts, but with this chimney of a structure they were dealing with, once the fire started, there wasn't much they could do for the victims on the top 3 floors. With that, I instead focus on the frankly heroic work the department did with what little resources they had.

[@rogerhinman5427]

@@nobodyspecial4702 They arrived within minutes of seeing the glow of the fire on the horizon, not within minutes of receiving the calls.

[@rogerhinman5427]

@@Unownshipper And what's your point? MY point is that after getting three calls about the fire whomever was in charge decided they were all prank calls and did nothing until the glow of the fire was visible in the sky. Defend them all you want, that is still unacceptable decision-making and there should have been an investigation as to why he made that decision. As to the rest of your response, that's merely conjecture about what may have happened based upon reasoning you figure acceptable to support your argument. Oh, and yes, I did receive training as a firefighter, though I pursued a career in the army instead.

[@nobodyspecial4702]

@@rogerhinman5427 Ok, whatever you say. Since the Arizona Historical Society, Tucson Fire Foundation and Pima County records all fail to mention firefighters not responding because they thought it was a prank, I'll bow down to your infinite wisdom that they did.

[@tylascano2300]

As an AZ native I have never heard of this and appreciate the history!

[@mrhead6856]

great school system you have not teaching local history

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

Me too & I'm old enough. How things were so hidden from US State to US State, except by word of mouth!!!

[@Judgeangels]

@@mrhead6856 yep they're more worried about teaching us about the same old same old

[@chickenlittle5095]

I see a common issue. An unsinkable ship…… a fireproof hotel…..

[@christophermerlot3366]

The sky falling...

[@balltongue666]

A chocolate teapot

[@jimcosson]

Have you considered covering the 1946 Winecroff Hotel fire in Atlanta, Georgia, USA? It's a good fit with your channel and I don't recall seeing it here. I am, as always, fascinated by the horrifying content you provide. Great lessons in every video, all respectfully done. Thanks!

[@justinlane1980]

This channel is so interesting. Thanks for the great content!

[@irishsakura1]

I can’t stress enough how much I LOVE this channel.

[@mattscudder1975]

One of the annoying things about this case is that the investigating police officer was massively racist and focused on the one black youth seen at the scene and decided that it must have been him that started the fire. There’s a clip of the cop saying that he knows it was Louis Taylor as “[mild racist slur] have a history of setting small fires or setting of the fire alarm so they can rob the rooms”. This over looks the fact that the original fire investigation said that there was two fires that started at the same time, that Louis Taylor was seen running from door to door banging on them to inform people about the fire but at no point did he go into any of the rooms as was rushing off to the next one as soon as it was clear the guest was coming or the room was empty and it ignores the fact that it would be incredibly daft and risky to start a fire and then stay in the building to rob it.

[@sarafontanini7051]

Hopefully the bastard burns in hell for his racist actions that ruined a man's life

[@miapdx503]

Always the scapegoat...a crime that always goes unpunished.

[@argylewarrior1]

no racist slurs are mild.

[@sjeabee5345]

Woke up with a headache, so glad I saw you post, great work as always!

[@KristenDETW]

That's always the worst, hope you feel better.

[@sjeabee5345]

@@KristenDETW Thank you!! (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

[@misslesslie2235]

I feel your pain. I have daily headaches (migraines). Hope you are feeling better.

[@sjeabee5345]

@@misslesslie2235 thank you so much! You guys really made my morning. I appreciate you.

[@dorian4534]

Thank you for including the wrongful conviction in this video.

[@Cramblit]

It wasn't a wrongful conviction.... This video didn't do it justice for everything they had against him and touted it as a "flaky evidence". He was seen by multiple people at the site of origin for both fires. He was caught shortly after with handfuls of matches in his pockets. He was known as an arson from previous little things he had done, or tried to set fire too, and was known as a thief. Oh and he's also back in prison for life after only 4 years out because of armed robbery charges and other charges... So yea... let your heart bleed for this worthless fuck, he got what he deserved the first time around.. He killed all those people by setting that fire.

[@sisiclark583]

As someone who grew up not only in Tucson, but with family members in the Tucson Fire Department, this was such a cool video to watch. I drive by that building every time I head to downtown, and have been told it’s history by the fire fighters I grew up around. Thank you for an awesome video. (I will admit, it was kinda weird seeing my hometown in one of your videos, but in a fan way)

[@knickd1979]

Yay! This was my topic suggestion made a few months ago!! Great job FH!!!

[@natas3.14]

Your presentation of this case was exceptional! Oddly, I find I don't comment, or commend that often; but, I feel I should as Fascinating Horror has never uploaded anything that wasn't astonishing, interesting, well researched, & delivered in a professional manner. So, I guess saying thanks for sharing your work efforts would be more befitting.

[@TheSaneHatter]

I visited my late mother TWICE in Tucson, back in to 2010s, and it shows how thoroughly the city has buried this incident, that I never heard of this hotel before watching this video.

[@Hey_Jamie]

“Hello, this is the fire department how can I help you?” “HELP!!! There’s a huge fire at the Pioneer hotel!! Billowing smoke, we can’t breathe!!” *long pause* “Ooooooooh that’s a good prank! Alright have a nice evening!”

[@zachfarmer8284]

Great content as always

[@melmazing3993]

I love this channel it's so interesting!

[@MandieASMR]

This channel really does take the time to give quality details about these places and their history. It doesn’t sound like someone is just reading word for word from an online article. Fantastic job on these videos. Thank you.

[@emowolferin7681]

I’m so happy that you’re covered the story the pioneer hotel fire is a story that I’ve grown up with. my dad actually worked on the second floor of the Pioneer until 2012 and the second floor was actually used as a temporary morgue after the fire was put out.

[@davidvandenakker]

I know it is a questionable desire, but I do hope history has enough disasters left in store to feed this extraordinary channel for as long as I live. Its fact-oriented, respectful and humane approach is an oasis in the barren social media landscape.

[@MaiAolei]

Oh, I am sure the presenter has a bookshelf full of to-be-done stories. A questionable desire, for sure, but one I definitely share.

[@quillmaurer6563]

There's surely hundreds, if not thousands, of untold disaster stories that most of us have never heard of. You'd run out of the highly publicized and globally remembered ones pretty quickly, but look a little deeper and you'll find lifetimes' worth.

[@jessaa444]

It’s crazy that I have lived in Arizona my entire life and haven’t heard about this case. That’s what I love about this channel, you always cover unique cases that aren’t very well known. Thank you for all your consistent hard work!

[@sandy-pf9bb]

I admire the way you always point out any thing positive that resulted. Thank you for reminding us to look for the silver lining

[@Dovietail]

Hard to believe that people used to live in hotels like this. My great grandmother lived in the Irvin S. Cobb Hotel in Paducah, KY toward the end of her life in the 1960s.

[@theondebray]

Some still do live in hotels, so much cheaper than renting + bills.

[@AxionSmurf]

Hey dude, seems like I've seen like 50 or more of your presentations. Glad you're still at it.

[@christopherbrooks4295]

Notification gang hell yea never miss an upload

[@TransistorBased]

Why do people keep insisting their buildings/vehicles/infrastructure are indestructible?? This channel is a testament to that

[@countesscable]

As soon as I here the music and the calm delivery, I am already fascinated! I agree: I haven’t heard many of these tragedies.

[@EstorilEm]

Getting a fire like that under control within an hour is absolutely astonishing - I’m glad the fire department got additional funding, but even so they did an amazing job.

[@pyrospark4167]

I’m glad Taylor was able to be released from a sentence he didn’t deserve, but, I still have to wonder what started the fire? Was it arson and the true culprit was never found? Was it an accident? How does a fire originate from two spots at the same time? 🤔

[@johndouglas5712]

You read my mind . There was no mention of exactly what was used to start the fire and no evidence presented , at least here , that Taylor was anywhere near the Fourth floor

[@alanbugler4404]

He is back in prison again. Armed robbery.

[@johndouglas5712]

@@alanbugler4404 Sad but I’m still unclear of any evidence to tie him to this fire

[@2760ade]

Fire DOESN'T just start in two different places simultaneously!! I have read more about this incident and about Taylor. He was set free as the evidence was found retrospectively not to be strong enough to have convicted him. Doesn't mean he didn't set the fires though? And as someone else pointed out, he is back in prison, so who knows!!

[@alanbugler4404]

@@lionheart94 yeah, the article I read said he was struggling to adapt to outside life, and was in dire a financial position.

[@truecrime59]

Another Fascinating video... I cannot imagine being trapped in a hotel room while a fire rages at your door. Scary and very tragic event.

[@knickd1979]

I'm seeing lots of "experts" making strong comments about Taylor's "innocence" after watching this 10 minute (albeit great) video on the Pioneer. First things first, Taylor wasn't just plucked from the crowd because of his skin tone. Believe it or not, there was some incriminating evidence to suggest he might've started the fire but didn't necessarily plan on it killing dozens of people. What the video left out is that Taylor had 5 boxes of matches in his pockets when apprehended. Believe it or not, he was a juvenile delinquent who liked to have fun with fire. If you want to gather some facts and info before making up your mind, there are multiple videos on youtube that show full interviews with some of the arresting officers. and don't forget that the real victims here are the children that were thrown from the highest floors in hopes of landing on a 8 inch mattress (they missed).

[@aformerhiro7383]

I've lived in Tucson for half my life, but I've never heard about this, this is fascinating! Always grateful for the knowledge and awareness you bring to me

[@stevensmiseck3526]

Another excellent video. Would love to see one on the 1968 gas explosion that destroyed a part of downtown Richmond, Indiana, and killed 40 or so.

[@kleoskandi]

I've lived in tucson for almost 20 years and I have never heard of this. Im blown away that this isn't something people know about here.

[@kdfulton3152]

Fires are so insidious; they’re brutal and shows no bias to anyone or anything.

[@Cadychan]

What happened to Loius Taylor was unforgivable. AZ owes him so, so much.

[@Biffting93]

Another case I’ve not heard before. I love your channel !!

[@knobjob2839]

"This building is fireproof!" "This ship is unsinkable!" "This system is fail proof" Take everything with salt.

[@lisa.user-xm7kz2tb6x]

I Do. Everything pretty much Is a lie. With ya. ✌️Be well, KJ.

[@knobjob2839]

I'm not sure about that one. Either way, I only said "ship" not Titanic.

[@knobjob2839]

The "unsinkable" lable has been applied to MANY ships over history. To the point that it's almost a meme. The Titanic is just the big one in public memory.

[@knobjob2839]

Ok then 👌😆

[@knobjob2839]

If you really read my deleted comment, you would know I didn't mention the Titanic at all. I was saying that the label of "unsinkable" has been thrown around a lot. I e never mentioned the Titanic once. You're fixated on it, and you're making an argument out of nothing.

[@ravennevermore853]

I work in the commercial insurance industry and appreciate that you cover the changes that result within the building, transit, or risk management areas from these incidents.

[@Iruparazzo]

i love the frenchification of your pronunciation of Tucson lol

[@bigbouncer4196]

Always something different, usually something I haven't heard of, I love it, this is the first upload since I subbed that I haven't been here for when it dropped. Great stuff, please keep it up

[@gabriellefox635]

It really upsets me that Taylor was convicted. In other tragedies you covered people who were explicitly at fault walked away without a conviction and yet this man not only gets convicted, but spends several decades in jail before he is released.

[@Cramblit]

Gotta love all the people immediately jumping to him being innocent with even less evidence than the police had to convict him... There's a lot that this video didn't point out. (Like he was seen near the points of origins, and that he was caught with tons of matches in his pockets.) But hey for all of you that are still convinced they got the wrong guy.. He's back in prison for armed robbery. So yea.. Innocent... sure... He got what he deserved the first time around..

[@case3474]

That's racial profiling for you

[@karenbee4014]

I was surprised to come across this video, and I remembered this tragedy. I was 8 yrs old and visiting my grandmother in Tucson on my Christmas break. I remember my grandmother had her black and white TV on while they were reporting the fire on the news. I remember this well because she was crying and praying for those people trapped.

[@orangehoof]

I'm impressed that they put the fire out roughly an hour after it began, despite lacking any way to reach the upper floors. Was arson concluded because of the two points of origin or were there any accelerants found at these two locations? One person can start a fire in two places in rapid time. I found it odd that Taylor plead "no contest" if he was innocent as he claimed. It probably was enough to get him out of jail with time served but if you didn't do it, you didn't do it.

[@rugtub3744]

Neato. I really needed this.

[@micheleshively8557]

Hey I've been watching your videos for some time now. Congratulations on your subscriber count! You completely deserve it! You show us stuff we've never heard about. Thank you for your hard work

[@marvindebot3264]

Damn, they railroaded that poor kid and then when they did release him made sure he couldn't sue, what asshats.

[@Fenderdfm]

Aaaaaand my Tuesday is complete!! Thank you sir!

[@tristantristancraped]

My mother lives in Tucson and I've been visiting for decades. Never had heard of this one. Poor Louie Taylor, I could not imagine being wrongfully convicted for 29 deaths.

[@LinkiePup]

I’ve live in Arizona, and yeah, this is brought up pretty much anytime a new building is being built locally.

[@TheZGal45]

I lived in Tucson as a kid yet was never told about this so thank you for covering this event and doing so in such a respectful manner. (Also you're awesome for pronouncing Tuscon right so thanks again)

[@BIOHAZARD_V2]

Your uploads are one of the highlights of my week. I love this channel

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Can someone explain what a 'no contest' plea means in this case? I was under the impression that 'no contest' means you admit to guilt and offer no evidence or mitigation in your defence.

[@idlehands1864]

It simply means you agree there is enough evidence against you to gain conviction and you profess neither guilt or innocence.

[@teen_laqueefa]

You admit the facts of investigation without admission of criminal intent

[@marvindebot3264]

Done so he couldn't sue

[@sixstringedthing]

Not a lawyer, but a quick google suggests that a 'no contest' plea simply means that the defendant accepts the charge (and any punitive sentence handed down by the court) and agrees not to pursue any claim for wrongful conviction/imprisonment. It doesn't necessarily require the defendant to admit guilt, although this condition may be included to "seal the deal" or in exchange for a reduced sentence. It's highly like that there's some statute of limitations for civil matters (especially when brought against the state) which would have prevented Taylor from suing for damages in any case, but whoever arranged his release obviously wanted to make damn sure that he would be in no position to sue after losing more than half his adult life imprisoned due to systemic racism.

[@the_once-and-future_king.]

Thanks, everyone.

[@seanharley6432]

This reminds me of the Wentworth Arms Hotel Fire in Hamilton, Ontario that occurred in the late seventies, early eighties. I can’t remember which year. As far as I know it wasn’t arson. It was a building roughly the same height as the Pioneer Hotel in the downtown area. The building was so dangerous an unsafe after the fire that demolition was started right after the fire. I remember it being a very stately building. Too bad it was lost. More importantly my condolences to anyone lost loved ones in both of these horrible fires!

[@pblack19141]

Thank you so much for sharing with us history that has been mostly forgotten, You Are Amazing.

[@slimtimm1]

Dude, you are what we call a "CLASS ACT!" Keep them coming please...

[@kimhohlmayer7018]

If you ever get the opportunity, you should visit Tucson. It’s an amazing place culturally, historically and in its natural beauty.

[@GothicaBeauty]

That famous phrase of “absolutely fire proof” is rung out again!

[@jenkins676]

I think I'm getting addicted to hearing this intro/outro music.

[@raymondleggs5508]

Absolutely fireproof means it's very flammable.

[@Bootricia]

I enjoy your voice and style of narration. You don’t speak too fast or too slow. And your default song is 😘👌 Thank you for these educational videos, and for always respecting the victims as well. 🙏

[@GolfPrincessCL]

Thank you for including Taylor. Travesty of justice (again).

[@blinderII]

...been subscribed and have been following your channel for some time now. I always give the videos a like before i even watch them because i know they're going to be good. Thanks for all the fascinating stories!

[@Idontcaremuch1000]

This is so similar to the Winecoff Hotel fire that happened in Atlanta back in the 1940s.

[@Forflipsake]

If Taylor started the fire for a distraction to get away why stay there and help others just to be spotted by many police officers etc. i hope he got paid out some major 💵. Poor kid was just a scapegoat . We’ve seen that many times before sadly .

[@marvindebot3264]

No payout because they made him plead no contest in order to be released. A very low act.

[@MagixMusik]

Thanks for giving my home town some love. If you're a Tucson native, you definitely know about the pioneer fire.

[@igitha..._]

I'd startup a hotel just to live in the penthouse suite. That's a wise real estate investment.

[@bobcoleman9045]

Keep up the great content bro!

[@iainmalcolm9583]

Didn't know about this tragedy. Thanks for the upload.

[@OldMod67]

Absolutely fireproof, just like that unsinkable ship back in 1912.... Another fascinating film, thank you!

[@MightyMezzo]

I remember seeing a “60 Minutes” story on Taylor and the questions around his conviction. I’m glad you made space in your video for him.

[@adde9506]

Unless you want a steel plate for a bed or a glass couch, there is no such thing as fireproof furniture. This most likely was arson, and most likely not set by Mr. Taylor. The big culprit in the rapid spread of the fire was the open stairwells. Even by today's standards, that was some really excellent firefighting, and the department still used this as a learning experience and an opportunity to improve themselves and their city.

[@eirschu8973]

Yesssss I'm among the first people to see this! Hooray!

[@opwave79]

Another excellent video! I don’t know if you already covered it, but I’d like to see your take on the 1981 Manila Film Center tragedy. It’s been covered by other channels and a horror movie was made about it. But it would be cool to see your video on it.

[@Treblaine]

"wow, that's the third person claiming there's a fire at that hotel. These pranksters sure are organised... say, what's that orange glow coming from the hotel?"

[@arnepianocanada]

Again a fine presentation in your inimitable voice.

[@talflick]

my favourite day of every week is Fascinating Horror day. Thank you for creating such good content!

[@racheldianeames3729]

please do more videos on more unknown tragedies of the 20th century

[@grrlpurpleable]

I always memorise the route to the nearest fire exit if I stay in a hotel, and work out how to find it from crawling height if completely blacked out too. Counting doorways or radiators along a wall with your hands. It only takes a few minutes and might make all the difference.

[@Gail1Marie]

I try not to stay above the fourth floor. Virtually every fire department in a major city in the US has ladders that will reach the fourth floor.

[@kg7yts187]

Been waiting for you to do this one.

[@P_RO_]

While still tragic, a different chain of events where other than the arsonist it's hard to blame anyone for their part in the disaster here. It was quite simply an old building which nobody had given much thought to regards fire safety. Plenty of similar buildings in the US all over, though most places now require retrofitting to meet more modern safety standards. Clearly it was arson, not so clear that Taylor started it. Sadly there's still a social and judicial bias in the US regards some kinds of people. My first Lawyer (RIP) told me the jails are full of people whose only real mistake was not having a good Lawyer representing them, a bias against the poor here which still exists today too. At least some good came of this in Tuscon's firefighters getting enough funding to do their job up to modern standards now.

[@genderchaotic]

If anything this channel has taught me, it's if they say its "absolutely fireproof"... its going up in flames.

[@AlphaZuluPhotography]

I drive by that building every day. Never really knew the entire story though. Thanks for making this video and including our little town of Tucson.

[@TransistorBased]

Person- "help, the hotel is on fire!" Dispatcher- "well that's a dumb joke"

[@JenniferWagner13]

The way I winced when you said "absolutely fireproof".... 😬 And the inside is described like a tinderbox. 😬😬

[@timmaay7181]

Bruuuuuuhhhh. How. Many. Times. Am I going to hear that the building was labeled as “absolutely fireproof” or a ship labeled “completely unsinkable”