As soon as the first shouts of "Fire!" were heard, scores of people swarmed toward De Koven Street. Many helped their neighbors fight the fire or drag furniture and clothes to the safety of the street. Most stood by watching the yellow-orange flames leaping from roof to roof and listening to the horrible crackle pop of dry pine being consumed. Fires were extremely common back then and thought to be as exciting and dramatic as a night at the theater.

Question

—The Great Fire,
Jim Murphy

What is the main cause described in this paragraph?

What is the effect of that cause?

Answer 1

The main cause described in the paragraph is the outbreak of a fire.

The effect of that cause is the collective response of the community, where people swarm to De Koven Street to help fight the fire, drag belongings to safety, or simply stand by and watch the dramatic scene, reflecting the excitement and intensity of the event.