Who was blamed for starting the Chicago Fire?

Mrs. O'Leary's cow was famously blamed for starting the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, with the legend suggesting that the cow kicked over a lantern in the barn. This story, although widely circulated, lacks evidence and is considered more myth than fact. In reality, the exact cause of the fire remains uncertain, but it spread rapidly due to dry conditions and wooden buildings. The incident led to significant urban reform and changes in fire safety practices.