A little farther off the people were trying to get their goods out of the houses, that they might not lose all if the fire came their way.

But those actually burned out seemed to do nothing but stand helplessly by looking on; and perhaps it was only the Master Builder himself who at this moment realized that there was a very serious peril threatening the whole quarter of the city where the fire had broken out, and had already taken such hold.
The wind being slightly north as well as east in its direction, it seemed reasonable to hope that the conflagration would not cross Thames Street in a southerly direction, in which case the bridge would be safe; and, indeed, as New Fish Street was a fairly wide thoroughfare, it was rather confidently hoped that this might prove a check to the fire.

The Master Builder ran up the street crying out to the terrified inhabitants to get all the water they could and fling it upon the roofs and walls of their dwellings, to strive to keep the flames at bay; but there was scarcely one to listen or try to obey.

The people were all hurrying out of their houses, bringing their families and their goods and chattels with them.

The street was so blocked by hand carts and jostling crowds, that it was hopeless to attempt any plan of organization here.
Then all too soon a cry went up that the fire had leaped the street and had ignited a house on the west side.