In chapter 8, Maycomb experiences extremely cold weather and the Finch children enjoy their first snow day. After the children enjoy a fun-filled day of playing outside and building a snowman, Atticus tucks them into bed and Calpurnia builds a blazing fire to heat the house. Later that night, Atticus wakes the children up in their sleep and tells them to get dressed. Scout immediately recognizes that something is wrong and Atticus proceeds to explain that Miss Maudie's house is on fire. After the children see Maudie's home ablaze, Atticus tells them to stand in the Radley yard, which is a safe distance away as he helps the community save Maudie's furniture before the house collapses.

While Jem and Scout are standing in the Radley yard, they watch as Mr. Avery narrowly makes it out of Maudie's upstairs window before the fire spreads to the second floor. Eventually, the men stop carrying furniture from the house and begin to back away. When the fire truck from Abbottsville finally arrives, Scout mentions that she left Dill's Tom Swift book in the house and fears that if the fire would spread to their house, Dill's book would be lost. Scout worrying about Dill's book in such a chaotic, scary moment highlights her compassionate nature. Overall, Scout is worried that the fire will spread to their home and Dill's Tom Swift book will be burnt in the blaze.