The Great Pittsburgh and San Diego 2007 Fires Essay

The Great Pittsburgh and San Diego 2007 Fires - Essay Example The essay "The Great Pittsburgh and San Diego 2007 Fires" discusses the factors that led to the great Pittsburgh and San Diego 2007 fires that took place on April 10th at 12 o’clock and their consequences. The Great Fire of Pittsburgh took place on April 10th at 12 o’clock. It broke up in some frame buildings that were located to the Southeast of Ferry and Second Street in Pittsburgh. Two weeks prior to the fire break out, the weather was dry with high winds prevailing to a great extent. When the fire was discovered, the winds were blowing fresh from several points north of west. Within a short time, the fire flames had spread to the square. The wind’s velocity increased leading to more buildings catching fire. In a very short period, a third of the city was engulfed and consumed by the fire. The fire further extended to the Ferry side of Third Street extending further to Kensington town and destroyed it too. The district that was burned comprised of many busines ses and valuable factories. The loss amounted to approximately, $8,000,000. The growth and spread of the fire were caused by strong dry winds that were blowing in the town. As such, the dry weather conditions coupled with strong raging winds subsequently led to the spread of the fire to other buildings. Additionally, Pittsburgh at that time had uncontrolled/haphazard development. This resulted in a patchwork of homes and rich businesses. These wealthy people intermingled with other peasants who were adjacent, and who lived in wooden structures.