The Great Fire of New York occurred on September 21, 1776, during the American Revolutionary War. The fire started in a small house on the corner of Pearl and Beaver Streets and quickly spread due to strong winds and the wooden construction of buildings at the time. It destroyed over 1,000 buildings, including homes, businesses, and public structures, leaving thousands homeless. The fire was significant not only for its destruction but also for its impact on the city’s development. In the aftermath, the British Army, which occupied New York City, took measures to rebuild and improve fire safety, leading to changes in building regulations and urban planning.