Though it was subdued by the Rushden Fire Brigade in twenty minutes, an outbreak of fire at a Rushden printing works early on Tuesday evening resulted in considerable damage to valuable machinery and inflammable stock. The printing works belonging to Mr. E. W. Mann and situated to the rear of buildings in High-street and Queen-street, were the scene of the blaze. When Chief Officer A. P. Timpson, of the Rushden Fire Brigade, arrived with a crew of eight men, they found the building unoccupied. Before they were able to come to grips with the fire they had to force their way in. Fortunately the brigade were in time to prevent the roof from collapsing.
The alarm was given at about a quarter to six by Mr. S. J. Meadows, his wife having been the first person to notice the outbreak.
Traffic congestion was prevented by Inspector Valentine, of the Rushden Police, assisted by Sergt. Tansley, P.C. Emberton and a special constable.
While the flames were being fought a large crowd was attracted by the dense clouds of smoke and flames which were leaping skywards.
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