Stack Fire near Stanwick
Irthlingborough Brigade at Work

Early yesterday morning two haystacks were discovered on fire in a field on the lower road between Higham Ferrers and Stanwick and before the outbreak was extinguished one of the stacks was completely destroyed, with part of the other.

As soon as the fire was noticed, information was given to PC Powell, of Higham, and a member of Irthlingborough Fire Brigade, who happened to be in the locality, went off post-haste for the Irthlingborough engine. The Brigade turned out very promptly, and under the command of Capt. Inward, were at the scene of the fire in 25 minutes – a good performance.

By this time the two stacks were fully ablaze and it was seen that one was beyond hope of being saved. The Brigade got to work however, with commendable despatch, and to ensure a good supply of water the Chelveston brook was dammed. The engine worked well and by dint of great efforts the Brigade succeeded in saving almost three fourths of one stack. The other stack was totally destroyed. The Brigade were able to leave for home at 6am. The stacks were the property of Mr Fredk Nicholls of Stanwick.

Rushden Argus, March 29^th 1918, transcribed by Susan Manton

Farm Fire - Brigade’s Good Work at Stanwick Outbreak
The Higham Ferrers Fire Brigade put in some prompt and effective work at a fire which occurred on Mr. H. Bett’s farm at Stanwick about midday on Saturday. Mr. Lovell, farmer, of Stanwick, motored to Higham Ferrers to give the alarm, arriving about midday, and a smart turnout was made by the brigade, under Capt. Sudborough.

When they arrived at the farm they found a hovel situated close to some standing ricks was well alight. By smart work they succeeded in localising the fire, and thus saved the ricks. The outbreak was subdued by about two o’clock.

The outbreak originated in the lambing hovel, but Mr. Betts fortunately was able to get all the lambs out in time. The whole of the village, men and women, turned out on the alarm being given, and by pouring buckets of water on the flames kept the outbreak well in hand until the arrival of the brigade. Wet cloths were also thrown over the adjacent ricks and, with the exception of the corner of one rick, these were thus prevented from catching fire.

Farm Fire Destroys Buildings
Some isolated buildings on Stanwick Mills Farm were partly destroyed by fire on Thursday.

The property of Messrs H J Hollands and Sons, they are about half a mile from the mill in fields off the “bottom” road to Stanwick.

The fire lasted well into the afternoon and the Rushden N.F.S. were first on the scene, followed by an N.F.S. team from Raunds.

Of wooden structure, the buildings contained a few implements, but no grain was in store.