Why did the fire spread so quickly and burn for so long? - Presentation

The Great Fire of London, a catastrophic event that engulfed the city in 1666, serves as a historical case study in the educational resources provided by Focus Education (UK) Ltd. To understand why the fire spread so rapidly and persisted for an extended period, students are presented with a variety of engaging activities. These include examining 15 intriguing facts about the fire, such as its origin in a baker's shop on Pudding Lane, the destruction of over 13,000 houses, and the lack of a formal fire brigade at the time. Through interactive games like the 'Great Chase Game' and online resources, pupils delve into the reasons behind the fire's quick spread, discussing materials that catch fire easily, and the urban layout that contributed to the disaster.

Further exploration into the Great Fire of London involves practical demonstrations where students observe the flammability of different materials like paper, wood, stone, and plastic, helping them to grasp why the predominantly wooden structures of the time were so vulnerable to fire. The comparison of this historic fire with the more recent Grenfell Tower tragedy provides a modern context, prompting discussions on advancements in fire safety and building regulations. The lessons gleaned from these fires emphasise the importance of understanding fire dynamics, the need for effective emergency services, and the implementation of preventive measures in urban planning and construction to mitigate the risks of such calamities in the future.