[HartleyMBaldwin]

The two small towns have the grim distinction of experiencing the two deadliest wildfires in U.S. history

I guess the reporter never heard of Peshtigo, Wisconsin in 1871, to name only one deadlier wildfire.

[ridesthemiles]

Same day as “Great Chicago Fire” IIRC.

[Cold Heart]

Peshtigo lost most of it’s population in that fire. Out of a town of 1700, 1500 were killed. Surrounding area may have added as many as 1000 more.

Eight towns destroyed that day, including Chicago.

[JohnBovenmyer]

Reporters never heard of poor Peshtigo even when it was in ashes. They were all focused on the relatively small fire had in Chicago that day.