Question

Read this excerpt from The Great Fire.

Schaffer's first signal went out at 9:30. Several minutes later, Schaffer realized his mistake and ordered Box 319 struck. This was still seven blocks away from the O'Learys', but close enough that firefighters could see the flames and alter their course. Unfortunately, Schaffer's young assistant, William J. Brown, stubbornly refused to strike Box 319, saying he was afraid it would confuse the situation. Brown was so stubborn about his decision that even after the fire he was able to write arrogantly in a letter that "I am still standing the watch that burned Chicago."

These errors had two fatal consequences. The most obvious was that a number of engines and dozens of firefighters were sent on a wild-goose chase and did not get to the fire for many minutes. More critical is that it kept fire companies located near De Koven Street in their stations. Several had seen the eerie, dancing glow beyond the rooftops near them and, even without official notice from Schaffer, prepared to respond. When they heard Box 342 rung, however, they assumed the fire was out of their territory and unhitched the horses. Only two fire companies were not fooled by the misleading alarm.

How does the structure of this excerpt illustrate the central idea that a series of individual mistakes contributed to the spread of the blaze?

by comparing and contrasting different people’s decisions and abilities
by comparing and contrasting the most effective firefighting techniques
by clearly explaining the reasons for the misleading alarm and its impact
by clearly explaining the reasons the fire started and the way it was put out

Answer 1

schaffer's assistant refused to correct the signal

Step-by-step explanation:

hope this helps (:

Answer 2

C) is the greatest option because it clearly explains the causes for the false warning and its impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

This passage from "The Great Fire" features a cause-and-effect framework that helps viewers comprehend why firemen responded ineffectively. We're told that the initial mistake was made by one man, Schaffer, who struck a different box than would have been optimum. He quickly understood that wasn't the case and ordered box 319 to be struck. The second error is made by Schaffer's assistant, William. He refuses to do as he is told, despite the fact that the instruction came from his supervisor. Firefighters are perplexed by his audacity since he hits the wrong box. As a result, the fire was not effectively battled, and it burned for several terrible minutes because firms didn't know what to do.