Great Michigan Fire loss, animal deaths, and forest devastation has never been determined. Also unknown is the total number of human deaths. Some estimates put the loss of life at fewer than 500, but they were largely based on families reporting their members missing. In 1871 in Michigan there were hundreds to thousands of lumberjacks and salesmen spread out across the state, along with settlers in remote areas, making it impossible to total the loss. Because these fires happened in the day other estimates of the Great Michigan Fire death toll is lower than the Great Chicago Fire's estimated 250-300 dead. One speculation,
The Great Fire of Key West ran an article describing the great fire the day before it actually took place. Notable buildings destroyed by the great fire include the San Carlos Institute, City Hall, St. Paul's Church, Fire House No. 1, the Fogarty Mansion, the Patterson House, and the Key West Custom House. Because the blaze occurred in the heart of the island's business district, many cigar factories and sponge warehouses burned down, putting four thousand employees out of work. William Curry was chairman of the Relief Committee created to rebuild the city after the fire. On April 4th, he publicly requested aid from US Citizens: