Downtown La Porte was virtually destroyed on June 6, 1915, when the worst fire in the town's history engulfed the area in flames. The fire started in the old Besson Building at the corner of Main and Second streets, and because part of the building was then used as a filling station and garage, it quickly spread through the oil-soaked structure. The town's only fire department, a hand-pulled chemical tank, was brought in, but the small tank was powerless against the growing conflagration. Townspeople formed bucket brigades, but the fire swept through three blocks of downtown, driven by old wooden buildings and a strong breeze. The Houston Fire Department was called, but poor road conditions delayed the firefighters until it was too late to help. Most of the destroyed retail establishments also served as living quarters, leaving many merchants homeless, yet although few had insurance, only one failed to rebuild.