Abstract:
During the World War II military buildup, Fort Bragg faced a big problem. On the base stood a massive balloon hangar built during World War I. Needing space to expand, military officials wanted the building torn down. The building's sturdy construction and heavy timbers, however, ensured that completing the job would be no easy task. In 1941 a solution naturally occurred as the building burned down. Firefighters were quick on the scene, but they allowed the building to burn while ensuring onlooker's safety. The cause of the fire was found to be old wiring.