Cripple Creek Fires of 1896 In 1896, two fires separated by 96 hours burned much of the town down. According to oral history interviewee Grace Wade, the first fire was supposedly caused by an argument between a miner and his 'lady friend'. A lamp was kicked over and it set fire to her building where a heavy wind blew it all over town. Buildings were later rebuilt with brick to prevent another fire. event:469