How many people died as a result of the Chicago Fire of 1871?

The Chicago Fire of 1871 is estimated to have resulted in around 250 deaths, making this figure the most widely accepted in historical accounts. This catastrophic event led to massive destruction across the city, with estimates of the number of buildings destroyed reaching as high as 17,500, along with leaving approximately 100,000 residents homeless.

The number of fatalities, while tragic, was less than some other disasters of the time, and the reasons for this include the rapid response efforts and the nature of the fire itself, which due to its intense heat and the spread of flames, primarily affected certain areas of the city. Gathering accurate figures was challenging in the chaos that ensued, but the 250 death toll is based on various historical records and accounts, reflecting a consensus among historians regarding the impact of the disaster.

Thus, the choice of 250 aligns with the most credible sources that historians rely on when discussing the extent of the tragedy caused by the Chicago Fire.