The Peshtigo Fire

The Peshtigo Fire

The Peshtigo fire was one of the US worst forest fire that took place in northeastern Wisconsin during October 8, 1871 and lasted until October 10, 1871, the fire also took place in the same day as the Great Chicago fire, and, even though the Peshtigo Fire was more severe it was overshadow by the Chicago fire. Nobody knows how the fire started but the high temperature, prolonged drought, and introduction to industrial practice and extensive farming were major factors that could have caused a spark. The fire came from nowhere and was fast that some survivors said it was like a fire cyclone. It destroyed the town of Peshtigo in a hour and people with out any warning tried to flee towards the river. The fire destroyed about !.2 million acres, claiming 1,200-2,400 lives, and Estimated damage cost was 169 million dollars. The fire destroyed 16 other towns and skipped over Green Bay to destroy part of Door and Kewaunee.