In July 1705, a significant fire broke out in the fourth district of Oulu, Finland. The fourth district, being the largest in the city, covered a substantial area and was predominantly residential. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, but it is believed to have started in one of the wooden structures typical to the area, which quickly caught fire due to the dry weather conditions. Local firefighting measures were inadequate, and efforts to contain the flames were beleaguered by limited resources and organizational challenges.

As the fire raged, it destroyed homes, shops, and communal buildings, leading to the displacement of a significant portion of Oulu's population. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with desperate residents attempting to salvage their belongings while firefighters struggled to gain control over the blaze. The community was largely unprepared for such a disaster, which highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in cities built predominantly with flammable materials.

In the aftermath of the fire, the city government and residents faced the daunting task of rebuilding. The loss prompted reconsideration of architectural practices and fire safety regulations, ultimately influencing urban development in Oulu. Reconstruction involved not only the physical rebuilding of homes but also an assessment of the city’s infrastructure to prevent future disasters. Lessons learned from this fire would shape urban planning in Oulu for years to come, emphasizing the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of unforeseen calamities.