Which catastrophic fire, even bigger than the Great Chicago Fire, caused seven times the loss of life and jumped sixty miles across the Green Bay?

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The Peshtigo Fire is indeed the catastrophic event described in the question. Occurring on October 8, 1871, the Peshtigo Fire devastated the town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, and the surrounding areas, resulting in an estimated loss of life that far exceeded that of the Great Chicago Fire, including around 1,500 to 2,500 fatalities. This fire was extraordinary not only due to the number of lives lost but also for its scale; it burned approximately 1.2 million acres and spread rapidly due to a combination of weather conditions and fuel sources.

The fire's ability to jump distances, including a significant 60 miles across Green Bay, showcased its intensity and the phenomenon known as fire whirls or fire tornadoes, which can carry burning debris to new areas, igniting new fires far from the original source. The Peshtigo Fire remains one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history and highlights the impact of environmental factors on fire behavior and spread, making it a key event in fire history that is crucial for understanding wildfire dynamics and fire safety measures.

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