Final answer:
The Great Fire of London was particularly destructive due to buildings made of flammable materials like wood and thatch, and the tight urban layout with narrow streets and closely built structures that facilitated the rapid spread of the fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Making the Great Fire of London Destructive
The Great Fire of London was particularly devastating due to two main factors. Firstly, the buildings at the time were predominantly constructed of flammable materials like wood and thatch which allowed the fire to spread rapidly. Secondly, the narrow streets and the density of the buildings meant that the fire could easily jump from one building to another. This urban layout, combined with the highly flammable construction materials of the era, meant that once the fire started, it was exceedingly difficult to control and extinguish.
Moreover, the lack of an effective firefighting force and the prevailing firefighting methods were incapable of dealing with the magnitude of the fire. Adding to the complexity, the city's narrow streets impeded movement, making it hard for people to evacuate and for firefighters to reach affected areas quickly. The absence of stringent building codes and ample spacing between structures also contributed to the disaster. After the fire, this led to a transformation in building practices and urban planning, moving towards the use of less flammable materials like brick and steel and the implementation of improved safety measures.