The eve of Rushden Feast was once again signalised by an alarm of fire in the town, fortunately on this occasion resulting only in slight damage. It appears that two young children belonging to Mrs. Briggs, living in one of the two thatched cottages in Green’s-yard, situated in the narrow way uniting High-street South with Park-road, had been put to bed early in the evening, and whilst playing with matches set the bedclothes on fire. An alarm was immediately given, and the children out of danger. Two young men succeeded in extinguishing the flames by means of buckets of water. The bedstead was of iron, but a flock mattress and the bedclothes were well alight. Water having been thrown upon them, they were thrown out into the road in a smouldering condition, and in a short time all danger of the conflagration spreading was at an end. But for this prompt action of the neighbours, however, much damage must have been caused, as the property was old and thatched. Meanwhile the call had been sent to the fire station, which was received at 6.45. The electric calls were promptly rung, and within a few minutes Captain Knight and some five or six of his men were on their way to the place with the hose part, only to find that the task before them was simply to see that all danger of an outbreak was passed. This was easily done, and in less than half an hour from the receipt of the call the brigade was back again with the appliances at the fire station. Inspector Onan and P.S. Slaughter were also quickly upon the scene, whilst a good number of inhabitants visited the place. An older boy would appear to have been left in charge of the little ones, the mother having gone to Blackpool for the day. Beyond the damage by water no harm was done except to the bedding referred to.