NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE.

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 89, 22 January 1872, Page 3

NARROW ESCAPE FROM FIRE.

Tills morning, about half-past one, o'clock, the extensive stores of Messrs T. and S. Morrill had a narrow escape from being burned down. About that hour Mr Cotter was passing along High-street, and observed a streak of smoke issuing Jroin the upper part of the store at its junction with High and Durham streets, lie at once gave the alarm, and in a short time two constables arrived from Ohiccii-strcci, who were assisted by sonic bystanders to wrench open the door. On entering the store the seat of the fire was discovered o be in the immediate vicinity of some o : l tanks which were elevated on brick foundations. Underneath them oil the floor were a number of wooden kegs and bags with nails. These were on lire. Some of the nails were at a red heat. The. floor underneath was quite charred. A\ ater was speedily available by means of buckets, by which the lire was extinguished before it had gained a firm hold of the building. Superintendent Asher and several of the firemen, together with Inspector Brohani, were early in attendance. The loss is trifling ; and the fire has evidently had its origin through the spontaneous combustion of some coltonwastc which lias been used in wiping ibe hands of those who have been in the habit of Si rving out the oil. We believe Messrs Morriii did not leave their stores last night until half-past 9 ; at that time there was no appearance of fire whatever. — 1). 8. Cross, January 20.