1a) Check the meaning of the words/ phrases in bold in the Word List. 17,500 The Chicago Fire ... 1 broke out in a house. 2 was out of control when firefighters arrived. 3 reached the Chicago River and many buildings on the other side caught fire. 4 destroyed the city centre and many buildings burnt to the ground. 5 died out after one day. 6 left 17,500 people homeless.​