The Rushden Fire Brigade received the call at 4.30am, and promptly turned out under Chief Officer R F Knight. It was found that the fire had taken hold of a leather store, a zinc roofed building adjoining the main factory.

Fortunately there was a plentiful supply of water at hand, and the Brigade soon had the fire under control. By their smart action they averted what might have been a serious outbreak, as the leather store was in the centre of a number of other buildings, to which the flames would inevitably have spread.

The fire originated, it is believed, in the dust container situated close to the store.