ON THIS DAY

February 3, 1916 – Most of the original Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa was destroyed by a fire that killed seven people. The library, along with its irreplaceable collection of books, was saved because an employee closed its iron doors just in time. With the country at war, the event sparked suspicions of foul play. Ultimately investigators found the fire had originated in the House of Commons Reading Room, where members were known to smoke cigars.