It wasn't just the Great Chicago Fire.... When the "Columbian Exposition" (world's fair) was held (1895?), the world was treated to the first showcase of the uses of electricity. As you might guess, there were many, many fires caused by this new technology.
This led directly to Chicago developing one of the first building codes, as well as the creation of UL.
Since then, the Chicago authorities have resisted many newer construction methods; entire building types have come about due to peculiarities of the Chicago code. While today most of the resistance seems to come from unions fearing the loss of jobs, or the fear of the authorities of unregulated DIY work, the "new ways" aren't always the cats' meow, either.
