Shortly after mid-day today (Friday) a fire broke out on the premises of Mr. J. Bugby, fish merchant, Rushden. Some towels were hanging on a rail above a gas stove, on which some cooking was being done. The towels caught fire, and speedily the room was filled with smoke. The towels were burnt to ashes, the frame of the mirror was damaged, carpeting was destroyed, and other damage done. So great was the heat that the curtains on the opposite side of the room were scorched. The alarm speedily brought in several neighbours and the damage happily was not of a serious character. The property was insured in the Yorkshire Insurance Co., of which the Rushden agent is Mr. C. Cross, “Echo” Office.