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Forest destroyed by fire
The forests in Michigan and Wisconsin were burned to a crisp in the fire of 1871

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Fire in the Midwest
October 8, 1871

Sitting in front of a fireplace or around a campfire can be a lot of fun, but when a fire grows out of control, it becomes a frightening event. Today, with smoke alarms, fire hydrants and well-funded fire departments, most city fires can be stopped within hours. However, when conditions are right, a fire can burn for days, destroying everything in its path.

On Sunday, October 8, 1871, conditions in the Midwest were exactly right to create a devastating fire. The long dry summer had carried into October, and the winds were strong.

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