On November 9, 1872, a fire broke out in a warehouse district in downtown Boston and burned into the next day. The blaze destroyed about 65 acres of the city’s commercial center, including more than 700 buildings. Firefighters faced problems such as low water pressure, cobblestone streets crowded with merchandise, and high winds. At least a dozen people were killed, and the economic losses were enormous for banks, insurers, and businesses. Rebuilding efforts produced wider streets and stronger building codes, which changed the look of central Boston. The disaster became a case study in urban fire risks and emergency response.
