The Great Fire of London, which started on September 2, 1666, was a catastrophic event that ravaged the city for four days straight. The fire caused widespread devastation, destroying over 13,000 homes and numerous public buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The question on everyone’s mind was how did the Great Fire of London stop? Let’s delve deeper and explore the various factors that contributed to the fire’s end.
The Efforts of Firefighters
At the time of the Great Fire of London, firefighting was in its infancy. However, firefighters played a crucial role in containing and extinguishing the fire. They used rudimentary firefighting tools like leather buckets and hand-operated pumps to pour water on the flames.
Firefighters also used gunpowder to create firebreaks by demolishing buildings in the path of the fire. This technique helped to prevent further spread of the flames and allowed firefighters to focus their efforts on specific areas.
Change in Wind Direction
One significant factor that contributed to stopping the Great Fire of London was a change in wind direction. For three days straight, strong winds fanned the flames and made it challenging for firefighters to contain them. However, on September 5th, there was a sudden change in wind direction from east to west.
This shift in wind direction helped to slow down the spread of flames and allowed firefighters to extinguish them more effectively. The change in wind direction also prevented further destruction by pushing unburned buildings out of harm’s way.
Demolition of Buildings
Another important factor that contributed to stopping the Great Fire of London was demolishing buildings. To prevent further spread of flames, firefighters had no choice but to create firebreaks by demolishing structures that were either already ablaze or were at high risk.
By creating these gaps between burning buildings, firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further. The demolition also helped to create a natural barrier that prevented the flames from jumping across streets and alleys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Great Fire of London was a catastrophic event that caused widespread devastation. However, several factors contributed to its end. The efforts of firefighters, change in wind direction, and demolition of buildings were crucial in stopping the fire.
By working together and implementing various strategies, firefighters were able to contain the flames and prevent further destruction. Although it took four days to extinguish the fire entirely, their tireless efforts saved countless lives and prevented even more damage.