What contributed to the spread and severity of the Chicago Fire?

The spread and severity of the Chicago Fire were significantly influenced by wind and the presence of closely built wooden structures. During the night of the fire, strong winds propelled the flames from one building to another, allowing it to grow rapidly. The wooden construction materials common in Chicago at that time contributed to the fire’s intensity because they were highly combustible. Furthermore, the close proximity of these wooden buildings facilitated the fire's spread, as flames could easily leap from one structure to its neighbor. This combination of environmental and architectural factors created a situation where the fire escalated quickly and became difficult to control.

Other factors mentioned, such as high humidity and low temperatures, did not play a significant role in the fire's dynamics. Additionally, a strong police presence would not typically mitigate fire conditions, and the use of stone materials in construction would likely have reduced the fire's severity, as they are less flammable than wood. Thus, the factors of wind and the presence of wooden structures were critical in understanding why the fire became so catastrophic.