October 1871----A completely dry time with high wind and Chicago burnt down----as did Peshtigo, Wisconsin----------a terrible fire there --- actually a classic firestorm that, in the twinkle of an eye, killed over 250 people and incinerated thousands of acres. Under the ground there was a fire to a depth of several feet and metal flowed like water then boiled away. See a fine recent book called FIRESTORM AT PESHTIGO.

The Chicago and Peshtigo fires were the same day/week/month.

Don't know of a Cairo, Illinois fire though.

Art Thieme