weather conditions also contributed to the disastrous fire. No significant rain had fallen for almost tew month, and most wells and streams were dry. Cracks criss-crossed the dry earth, Had it rained prior to the fire, the moist ground could have helped prevent its spread. Furthermore, high southwesterly winds up to forty miles per hour were recorded in the souther area of the forest. These poerful winds not only knocked down large threes, but also tore roofs from buildings and lifted people off their feet