The great Chicago fire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire



Once the fire had ended, the smoldering remains were still too hot for a survey of the damage to be completed for days. Eventually the city determined that the fire destroyed an area about four miles (6 km) long and averaging 3/4 mile (1 km) wide, encompassing more than 2,000 acres (810 ha). Destroyed were more than 73 miles (117 km) of roads, 120 miles (190 km) of sidewalk, 2,000 lampposts, 17,500 buildings, and $222 million in property—about a third of the city's valuation. Of the 300,000 inhabitants, 100,000 were left homeless. Between two and three million books were destroyed from private library collections.[8]

I blame Rahm Emanuel.

Webb wrote on Oct 20^th, 2012 at 9:58pm:

I blame Rahm Emanuel.

Did Rahm Emanuel start the Peshtigo fire in Wisconsin that took place same time as the Chicago fire? ;)

The Great Chicago Fire, although a tragedy, may have been a blessing in disguise.

Steve M wrote on Oct 20^th, 2012 at 6:13pm:

The great Chicago fire. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire Once the fire had ended, the smoldering remains were still too hot for a survey of the damage to be completed for days. Eventually the city determined that the fire destroyed an area about four miles (6 km) long and averaging 3/4 mile (1 km) wide, encompassing more than 2,000 acres (810 ha). Destroyed were more than 73 miles (117 km) of roads, 120 miles (190 km) of sidewalk, 2,000 lampposts, 17,500 buildings, and $222 million in property—about a third of the city's valuation. Of the 300,000 inhabitants, 100,000 were left homeless. Between two and three million books were destroyed from private library collections.[8]

A fascinating read, and reminds me of the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, and the devastating fire which followed it, and engulfed  large parts the city.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1906_San_Francisco_earthquake

Paul.

Very interesting indeed.

Reminds me of the 1931 Hawkes Bay Earthquake & subsequent fire which burnt down all of Napier & most of Hastings.

andy190 wrote on Oct 22^nd, 2012 at 9:00pm:

Very interesting indeed. Reminds me of the 1931 Hawkes Bay Earthquake & subsequent fire which burnt down all of Napier & most of Hastings.

More fascinating details..>>>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1931_Hawke%27s_Bay_earthquake

http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/historic-earthquakes/6

Paul.