During the nineteenth century, the timber industry moved north, clearing the land of trees but leaving the waste behind and creating a fire risk.

[10] Umeå had drawn up improved urban plans when it became a government requirement in 1874 and had already started making changes to the city infrastructure.

[11] The town of Sundsvall was arguing for a reduction in the new insurance rules three years after its fire because it had decided to rebuild its buildings in stone.

[8] The Umeå Town Hall was rebuilt on the original site to a design by Fredrik Olaus Lindström.

[7] Umeå City Church also had to be rebuilt[12] according to a design by Lindstrom, whilst the brick built old prison survived.