Fuji Fire

Sifting Ashes of a Forgotten U.S. Marine Corps Tragedy

By: Chas Henry

Narrated by: Chas Henry

On October 19, 1979, the largest, most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded propelled 5,500 gallons of gasoline into corrugated steel huts filled with United States Marines. The gas ignited, injuring seventy-three people, thirteen of them fatally. The Marine Corps commandant, a veteran of combat in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, was stunned as he met scores of horribly burned survivors. "Having witnessed a lot of bad things, ugly things," the general declared, "none can compare to that experience." And yet this 1979 catastrophe on the slopes of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji remains all but forgotten except by those directly affected.

Now, the fruits of Chas Henry's exhaustive four-year, two-continent investigation provide insight into what many have called the United States Marine Corps' worst-ever peacetime disaster. Fuji Fire shares the compelling and intimate stories of heartbreak and inspiration forged by these events while bringing to light new, critical analyses of the incident's causes and effects.

©2025 Chas Henry (P)2025 Tantor Media

Excellent detail

A most chilling account of a tragic incident. As a Navy wveteran from 1972 to 1995, I am ashamed that I had not heard of this horrific fire until a friend whose brother that died from that fire recommended it. I was surprised to see Tom Breunig not only mentioned, but had a pretty good write up in Chapter 11. A great historical read.