Uninterrupted drought had plagued the Midwest into early October and winds were strong.

When the wind increased and shifted direction, fire fighters were unable to control the flames any longer.

Vast tracts of forest burned for a week in parts of Michigan and Wisconsin.

Within hours, several Midwestern cities and towns were reduced to charcoal and ash.

Much of the area burned by the Port Huron Fire of 1871 was swept by another deadly conflagration ten years later, under similar conditions.