He studied the flames, trying to determine their exact location. This wasn't easy because of the distance and tall buildings between him and the flames. In addition, the moonless sky was made even murkier by the swirling, smoky haze. Schaffer signaled down the speaking tube and had his assistant strike Box 342. This sent engines rumbling through the streets – to a location almost a mile away from the O'Learys' barn. What was the cause of the fire engines going to a point a mile away from the O'Learys' barn?.