Flames had been noticed in the top storey by Mr Bert Scroxton, who lives opposite, and he immediately telephoned to the Police, who in turn rang up the Fire Station. Mr Horace Wright, who also lives opposite, ran to the Fire Station and rang the alarm.

The Brigade, under the command of Capt. R F Knight and Second-Officer W Packwood, appeared on the scene of the outbreak within six minutes of receiving the call. On arrival, a line of hose was attached to the 6-inch main in front of the offices, and a splendid supply of water was ready for use. The caretaker was fetched, and, upon entering the building a wooden truck, used for clearing up the waste, was found to be well alight. In a few more minutes the matchboarding near to it would have been in flames. The sides of the truck were practically burnt through. The truck was run to an open door in the top storey, and a jet of water was played into it, and the lot was finally thrown into the yard.

Thanks to the prompt action of Mr Scroxton, Mr Wright, and others, a serious calamity was averted.