The Great Fire of London took place in September 1666 and was a catastrophic disaster that devastated much of the city. It started in a bakery on Pudding Lane and rapidly spread, fueled by wooden buildings and narrow streets. The fire destroyed approximately 13,200 houses, St. Paul's Cathedral, and other significant structures, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Although the loss of life was relatively low, the fire prompted extensive changes in building regulations and urban planning in London. It marked a pivotal moment in the city's history, allowing for subsequent modernization and improved infrastructure, directly influencing urban development.