Today marks the 79th anniversary of the deadliest fire in Connecticut history.

On July 6, 1944, the big top of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Baily Circus ignited during a show in Hartford, killing more than 160 people.

It's believed that a cigarette sparked the fire and spread quickly because the tent was completely coated in paraffin wax treated with gasoline.

The fire prompted many new safety regulations that were implemented to prevent another disaster.