FIRES.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2119, 8 December 1880, Page 3

FIRES.

Shortly after eight o’clock last night the firo bells rang out an alarm, and as dense smoke -was immediately seen floating over Hereford street, considerable excitement appeared evident in the streets, which were very soon crowded with passengers in quest of the scene of the outbreak. The fire was found to be in Mr T. Millett’a cottage, abutting on Brightling’s lane, and adjoining Wilkin and Co.’s store. It appears that Mr and Mrs Millett left the house a little before eight o’clock to go to the circus, leaving a fire ■in the kitchen grate and the door open, as they expected a person named Griffin to arrive for the purpose of doing some house work. At about a quarter past eight the interior of the building caught fire it is thought from a spark flying out of the grate, perhaps—and in ton minutes afterwards the house was enveloped in flames. A portion of the fence and a small out-building were pulled down to prevent their spread, but in spite of precautions, the end of Wilkin’s store was ignited, and but for the timely arrival of the brigade, a large amount of valuable property would probably bave been destroyed. As it happened, the fire was confined to the building in which it originated, Mr Millett’s house being gutted, Tory little, indeed, scarcely any, of his effects were saved, and ho_ was quite uninsured. The house, which, it is understood, belongs to Mr Gould, was insured in the National for £IOO. About half-past one o’clock this morning the Railway whistle gave the alarm_ that another fire had broken out, the locality of which was soon made evident by the glare in the sky. This proved to bo in Windmill road, the fire having started in en old building formerly known as the Shearers’ Arms, and occupied by a Mr Carson as a marine store. Long before the town bells took up the alarm, it was evident from the hold that the flames had obtained that the buildingmust go. Situated close to the store was the six-roomed dwelling-house of Mr Carmichael, contractor, and the efforts of those on the spot were directed towards saving his property. The furniture was quickly removed to a place of safety, although it suffered considerably in the hurry of removal. Meanwhile the store had become completely gutted, and the upper part of Mr Carmichael’s house was alight. The brigade turned up at this point, and although' the want of water greatly retarded their efforts, a hose was got into play and the house saved from further injury. At one time it appeared certain of destruction, and everything moveable in the shape of doors and windows were taken out. Fortunately, however, the end wall adjoining the store was of brick, and it is principally to this fact that saved. Mr Carmichael's

loss will be considerable, as of course the house was Tery considerably damaged, and neither it nor the furniture were covered by insurance. One young fellow, who was busily engaged removing furniture, had a narrow escape. He hod just taken hold of a gun when it exploded, without however hurting anybody, Mr Carson, the occupier ot the store, is also a considerable loser, for although partially covered by insurance, a sum of £IOO in cash was burnt, and ho had nothing on his stock. The building was insured in the Victoria for £3OO, and there was a policy for £IOO in the South British on stock and furniture. A body of police were on the spot, and excellent order was maintained among the large crowd that hod assembled.