Peshtigo Fire, October 8th, 1871, Investigation

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Introduction

Fire outbreaks in settlement areas are risky events that directly and indirectly affect human life, natural habitat, and property. Accidental fires are considered significant environmental and public health concerns worldwide. One of the renowned fire tragedies is the Peshtigo fire. The event happened on October 8^th, 1871 (Estep, 2021). It is the most devastating fire outbreak in United States history that claimed many lives and destroyed infrastructure. The Peshtigo fire incident not only served as a wake-up call for the people about the land-use practices at the time but also for people in the present.

Identification of the Problem

Peshtigo fire resulted in massive loss of lives and destruction of property. Reports indicate that over 1,500 people lost their lives while property worth over $5,000,000 was destroyed. It also consumed over 280,000 acres of land with more than 2,000,000 trees and saplings as well as an unknown number of animals (Wisconsin Historical Society, n.d). Additionally, apart from Peshtigo, the fire affected 16 other towns, including Marinette, Kewaunee, Oconto, and Brown. Although the effects of the Peshtigo fire were disastrous, it was overshadowed by the Great Chicago fire, which started later that night.

How the Problem Started

Various factors contributed to the Peshtigo fire outbreak. In the late 1800s, the town was renowned for its logging activities, making it one of the largest wood processing towns in the United States (Hultquist, 2021). The town also had increased farming activities that prompted the residents to use the slash and burn technique to create new farmland. In addition, railroad workers also used small fires to clear the land. All these factors made the town vulnerable to fire outbreaks because these small fires were blown out of control by strong winds in the presence of combustible materials (from wood processing companies), resulting in a firestorm that almost scorched the entire town.

Issues Associated with the Problem Identified

Peshtigo had experienced a long period of drought, leaving it bare, and thus it was easy for the fire to spread. Additionally, most loggers did not practice safe forest management because they dumped wastes from logging activities in huge piles instead of burning them down (Derouin, 2017). The railroad workers also used small fires resulting in large stacks of leftover wood. Likewise, almost all the town structures were made of wood. Reports indicate that only two buildings were left in the entire town after the fire (Wisconsin Historical Society, n.d). Finally, an unpredictable weather system in terms of strong winds fueled the fire.

The Environment Where the Problem Was Identified

Peshtigo was experiencing extremely high temperatures, and there was also a presence of strong winds in Peshtigo. The town also had huge stacks of felled trees, vegetation, and branches from pine trees (Derouin, 2017). These trees wasted from wood processing littered the forest’s ground and acted as catalysts for a fire outbreak. Likewise, due to the town’s logging activities, many sawmills created a lot of sawdust that was spread on the streets and flowerbeds (Derouin, 2017). Furthermore, most town structures, including houses, bridges, and sidewalks, were made of wood, which could easily burn down.

Other issues associated with Peshtigo’s fire include human carelessness, such as leaving forest wastes in huge piles near the railroad tracks, which were often ignited by the passing of steam engines. In addition, the road network in and out of Peshtigo was covered by sawdust. These factors made the town vulnerable to fire outbreaks and impossible for the residents to escape during the firestorm (Derouin, 2017). The ignorance and indifference of Peshtigo’s residents contributed to the fire disaster. For instance, they used sawdust as a floor covering and burned small fires in the middle of the arid summer.

Recommendations for Issues Associated with the Problem Identified

There is a need to safely dispose of tree wastes to prevent fuel buildup. This can be achieved through controlled burning. All small fires should always be extinguished to ensure they do not spread. Similarly, forests should be compartmentalized with firebreaks that act as barriers to stopping or slowing down fires (Hultquist, 2021). There is also a need to retrofit buildings made of wood in high-risk areas. This is because wood is made up of organic compounds, which are highly combustible. Therefore, towns surrounded by forests may use other building materials like concrete or metal to retrofit their houses and infrastructures.

Action Steps to Resolve Issues Associated with the Problem Identified

All stakeholders (residents and loggers) should be educated about safe forest management. This relates to the safe disposal of tree wastes and controlled burning to reduce pilling tree wastes. Peshtigo’s administration should keep everyone updated on weather information, for instance, incoming storms or strong winds (Hultquist, 2021). The administration should involve the loggers in creating firebreaks within extensive forests to act as barriers that prevent fire from spreading further. Moreover, authorities can also encourage its residents to retrofit their buildings, particularly those made of wood. They may also modify structures by using non-combustible materials, such as concrete, to build infrastructures like bridges.

Limitations of Recommendations

Safe land management may not control natural fires. During droughts like the one experienced in Peshtigo in 1871, dry grass may ignite, causing wildfires that may easily spread in the presence of strong winds. Similarly, firebreaks may not effectively control big wildfires, particularly those involving strong winds. Additionally, retrofitted buildings may not prevent huge fires. Likewise, retrofitting buildings may be expensive for some residents; thus, there is a risk of loss of life in case another fire erupts. Wood may be cheap and easily accessible to people living near large forests, increasing its preference as a building material.

Social Responsibility

The logging companies and Peshtigo residents can reduce the risk of reoccurrence of wildfires. The logging companies have a duty to ensure the safe disposal of tree wastes to lessen the risk of spreading fire in case of another outbreak. They should also engage in social responsibilities, like creating firebreaks in forests and planting trees in Peshtigo, especially on bare lands. Additionally, logging companies should provide fire safety instructions and training to their employees and Peshtigo residents to prevent fire outbreaks. Peshtigo residents should plant trees and ensure they burn any dead vegetation surrounding their houses to avoid fueling fires in case of any reoccurrence.

Ethical Implications

Although logging and land clearing for agriculture can be reduced, they cannot be stopped. Thus, trying to control how Peshtigo’s residents use the land and forest resources may create a conflict of interest. Some residents may not support the idea of reducing lumbering activities because their economy relies on wood processing. While residents and the lumber companies may embark on planting more trees to replace the bare land, this may not prevent the depletion of the forests since they will soon cut more trees to generate more profits.

Conclusion

The Peshtigo fire is one of the most disastrous events in the United States. It did not only result in loss of human lives and destruction of property but also scorched many trees and wild animals. The fire was caused by human activities because loggers had dumped huge piles of tree waste which fueled the blaze. Nevertheless, with proper education on safely disposing of tree branches, barks, and other litter, the public and logging companies can reduce the risk of fire spread in case of wildfires. Additionally, local authorities should ensure that firebreaks are created within dense forests to prevent wildfires from spreading fast.

References

Derouin, S. (2017). Benchmarks: October 8, 1871: The deadliest wildfire in American history incinerates Peshtigo, Wisconsin. Earth Magazine. Web.

Estep, K. (2021). The Peshtigo Fire. National Weather Service. Web.

Farley, A. (2017). Why Few Remember The Peshtigo Fire, The Deadliest In American History. All That’s Interesting. Web.

Hultquist, T. (2021). The Great Midwest Wildfires of 1871. National Weather Service. Web.

Wisconsin Historical Society. (n.d.). Peshtigo Fire. Web.

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