The Great Fire of London in 1666 was sparked by a bakery fire in Pudding Lane, owned by Thomas Farriner. The fire quickly spread due to the wooden construction of many buildings in the city, strong winds, and the narrow, clogged streets. Initial responses to extinguish the fire were ineffective, and it continued for several days, devastating a large portion of London, destroying homes, businesses, and iconic structures like St. Paul's Cathedral. The aftermath prompted significant changes in fire safety and urban planning, profoundly altering London’s architecture and building regulations in subsequent years.