Rushden Research Group: Fires

Fire Outbreaks At Rushden

The Rushden Echo and Argus, 11^th August, 1933, transcribed by Gill Hollis

Field Blaze Near Masonic Hall - Brigade Called Out

There were two outbreaks of fire in the vicinity of Wellingborough-road, Rushden, yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

The more serious was in the large field adjoining the Masonic Hall, where a blaze, which is believed to have started with a bonfire which got out of control, eventually raged over almost the whole field.

The other outbreak was between the Oakley Inn and Sanders’ Lodge, where a hedge was ablaze for a short time.

The Rushden Fire Brigade were called to the outbreak against the Masonic Hall, and were occupied for some time in difficult efforts to subdue the flames and smoke. Water was obtained from a road hydrant and several lengths of hose were run out. The fire, however, spread rapidly across the field away from the Hall and the gardens at the rear of houses in Park-avenue, though at one time it seemed as if the wooden fences adjoining might be threatened.

The alarm, it is understood, was raised from Mr. G. S. North’s house, close by.

18^th August, 1933

“Impregnable” Lorry Fire
Alarming Petrol Blaze At Rushden - Employees’ Prompt Action

An alarming outbreak of fire, which might have had the most serious consequences, occurred in Rushden yesterday (Thursday) morning, when a large van, owned by Messrs. John White (Impregnable Boots) Ltd., suddenly caught fire whilst standing in the firm’s yard at their Newton-road factory.

It was being supplied with petrol from a pump which stands in a corner of the yard shortly after nine o’clock, when suddenly there was an outbreak under the cabin.

Howe the fire originated is a mystery which the firm could not explain, but after the blaze had started it was immediately made more serious as some petrol was spilt on the ground under the van and immediately flared up. Flames several feet high roared round the vehicle and it seemed for a moment that there would be serious consequences.

That these were averted, and not only the lorry, but probably the nearby factory saved, was entirely due to the prompt action of employees who were working on the spot. They rushed for fire extinguishers inside the factory doors and four or five of these were trained on to the flames which were subdued in a very few minutes.

A crowd of sightseers gathered on the opposite side of the road, but so quickly did the whole affair happen that only a few persons saw the blaze at its worst.

The van had just been loaded with several thousand pairs of boots, and was about to depart for London. When the back doors of the van were opened a small volume of smoke poured out, but on examination it was found that the goods were not damaged, though it was necessary for a large part to be re-packed.

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