On November 2, 1852, Sacramento’s great fire, known as the Great Conflagration, burned more than 80 percent of the structures in the city. The fire started at the millinery shop (hat shop) belonging to Madame Lanos on J Street between 3rd and 4th Streets at around 11:00pm. At the time, most of the structures Sacramento were made of canvas and wood, which led to the fire spreading very easily. High winds that evening helped spread the flames as well. It was estimated that the total damages from t