On 40th anniversary of river catching fire, Cleveland celebrates its cleaner waters

Cleveland marks progress of river that caught fire

CLEVELAND — Cleveland is celebrating the rebirth of a river that infamously caught fire 40 years ago.

On June 22, 1969, floating oil and debris caught fire on the Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH’-guh) River, becoming a symbol for pollution as well as fodder for comedians. The burning river helped spur the environmental movement and widespread reforms, including the federal Clean Water Act.

The city held a good-humored 40th anniversary celebration Monday to highlight the improved water quality. The civic celebration included “smoked” and “fire-roasted” menu specials by the Great Lakes Brewing Co., whose taproom staples include Burning River pale ale.

Environmental officials recently asked that large portions of the Cuyahoga be taken off an international list of polluted waters in the Great Lakes region.