The Seattle Great Fire occurred on June 6, 1889, and was a devastating event that destroyed much of downtown Seattle, Washington. The fire started in a woodworking shop and quickly spread due to strong winds and the wooden structures prevalent at the time. Within hours, over 25 city blocks were engulfed in flames, leaving thousands homeless. In the aftermath, the city took the opportunity to rebuild with more fire-resistant materials, leading to the development of modern Seattle. The fire prompted improvements in firefighting techniques and urban planning, shaping the city's future and resilience against similar disasters.