Chicago Fire of 1874

Background. The fire occurred in an area south of the Chicago core rebuilt after the 1871 Great Fire. The 1871 fire had previously spurred fireproof regulations in specific districts. The 1874 fire destroyed the Chicago Historical Society's library, which had been replenished after the 1871 destruction, necessitating a second effort to rebuild collections.

Insurance Industry Response. The fire insurance industry responded aggressively, with the National Board of Underwriters demanding immediate municipal reforms. These demands included increasing water mains, reorganizing the fire department under a single chief, and banning wooden buildings. The Citizens' Association of Chicago, formed in 1874, implemented building inspection and surveying measures in response.

Legislative and Safety Changes. Permanent fire limits were extended to Chicago's corporate limits via an ordinance recommended on July 20, 1874. Most reforms demanded by the Underwriters were achieved by fall 1874. The Citizens' Association continued work on fire prevention, enforcing safety measures like metal fire escapes in 1876. Smaller fires led to the employment of special night watchmen.