Final answer:
The fire on October 8, 1871, also known as the Great Chicago Fire, was primarily caused by dry and windy conditions, so the correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fire that began at 9 p.m. on October 8, 1871, is best known as the Great Chicago Fire.
The primary cause of this fire was likely the dry and windy conditions that prevailed at the time.
While the construction of buildings with wood certainly contributed to the severity of the fire by providing ample fuel, it was not the initial cause.
Similarly, issues such as firefighters being sent to the wrong address or the exhaustion of firefighters from battling another blaze would have impacted the response to the fire, not its cause.
Finally, the mention of rainfall after two days is more indicative of the end of the fire, rather than having a role in its beginning or cause.
The rapid spread of the fire and the subsequent casualties were further exacerbated by the tight construction of wooden buildings and the lack of adequate fire escape routes.
Locked stairwell doors, a common practice to prevent theft, tragically prevented many from escaping.
These factors, along with the flammable construction materials, meant that once started, the fire was incredibly devastating.
In the aftermath of the Chicago Fire, as well as other historic fires like the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire, significant changes to building requirements and fire safety measures were implemented.
The transition to brick and steel structures, alongside improvements in firefighting techniques and equipment, reduced the risk of similar disasters occurring in the future.
So the correct option is 1.