Final answer:
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871 was escalated by the city's dominant wooden structure and usage of flammable materials. Following two days of uncontrollable devastation, over 300 casualties were recorded and property loss was around $200 million. This catastrophic event underscored the significance of implementing fire safety measures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Chicago Fire was a devastating event that occurred in 1871. The cause of the fire accelerating out of control had to do with the architectural structure of the city itself; being built predominantly of wood, coupled with the use of candles and kerosene in tight quarters, fires were inherently more catastrophic and lethal in these urban environments compared to rural settings. This fire began on October 8th and raged uncontrolled for two full days.
The aftermath of Great Chicago Fire was heartbreaking; over 100,000 individuals lost their residences, above 300 people died, and property losses amounted to approximately $200 million. It totally destroyed the central business district. This disastrous event demonstrated the importance of effective fire prevention and safety measures within cities, especially in relation to building materials and city planning.
Learn more about Great Chicago Fire