Stack Fire
On Monday evening a large hay stack near the schools burt into flames as a result of over-heating.
The stack had been steaming for some three or four days, and was well alight inside.
Although there was a good supply of water from a fire hydrant near the schools, it was thought that none of the hay could be saved and the stack was allowed to burn out.
Brent Pelham
Fire
A serious fire broke out at Beeches, the resident of Major M.E. Barclay, joint master of the Puckeridge Hunt, on Thursday morning last.
The fire, which is stated to have been caused through a motor car back-firing, destroyed two valuable hunters.
Five other horses were rescued with difficulty, but the stables and newly-erected men's quarters were badly damaged.
The Bishops Stortford and Ware Fire Brigades were in attendance, and fortunately there was a good supply of water available.
Fire
What might have resulted in a serious outbreak of fire occurred in Norfolk Road about 2.30 on Wednesday afternoon at the house of Mrs W. Clark.
Mrs Clark went to the cupboard under the stairs with a lighted match, and it is thought that the glowing head of the match fell into a basket of brown paper.
Within a few minutes several articles of clothing, &c., were alight, and dense smoke filled the cupboard.
Mrs Clark's son and others who were assisting with the school sports in the football field, which adjoins the house, ran to the house and were successful in getting the burning articles outside. The loss is covered by insurance.
Fire at Cumberlow Green
A fire broke out at Cumberlow Green Farm on Thursday morning in last week.
Shortly before 6 a.m. a man noticed flames coming from a large thatched barn. The Baldock Fire Brigade was summoned, and were soon pumping water from a pond opposite.
The Brigade saved the barn, but "stood by" until late in the afternoon.
Mr Borlase, the owner, was away from home.
[Note from Alison - This is one of the farmers involved in the court case reported in this issue.]
To the Editor, Buntingford Gazette
Fire Protection
Sir,
The outbreak of fire at Hare Street, an account of which appeared in your last issue, has aroused interest on the question of fire protection in Buntingford and district.
Before the war, the Buntingford Fire Brigade were an efficient and well-equipped body. The Brigade, however, was a voluntary one, and any renewels and repairs were, I understand, borne by the Brigade itself.
Today, voluntary service is a different matter, in which the cost of accoutrements, &c., and the loss of renumerative time play a large part. It is also doubtful whether at any during the day, horses could be obtained to draw the engine to the scene of a fire out of Buntingford itself.
Fortunately, in Buntingford, a good supply of water is available from the town mains, but a body of men is necessary to deal with any outbreak of fire, and to know the exact position of any of the various fire hydrants.
It is argued that the Ware or Hertford engines could be summoned, but should a fire break out in the town considerable damage might be caused before any outlying brigade arrived.
It is thought that steps should be taken to ensure that, in the event of a fire in Buntingford or district, the outbreak could be dealt with at once. Perhaps this important matter will come before the Buntingford and District Improvement Society.
Yours faithfully,
Tradesman, High Street, Buntingford.
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Transcriber note - There isn't a copy of the report of the Hare Street fire referred to at the beginning of this article.
Disastrous Fire at Little Court
A disastrous fire broke out at Little Court, Buntingford, the residence of Captain J.A. Denny, in the early hours of yesterday (Thursday) morning. The buildings involved were a few yards from the house and comprised stables, garage, engine room and store.
Shortly after 3 a.m. Major Keeble, who is staying at the house, heard a crash and looking out of his window saw that the garage was in flames. He gave the alarm, but by the time any helpers were on the scene the flames were spreading with alarming speed.
A call was sent to the Ware Fire Brigade, but by the time they arrived the roof had collapsed. Mr G.E. Thody and other members of the Buntingford Fire Brigade were also informed and using every length of hose available - 200 yards - soon had a jet of water playing on the wood shed which was saved.
The damage is extensive. Two motor cars - a 10 h.p. Humber and a 14 h.p. Armstrong Siddley - besides a motor lawn mower and a practically new Petter Electric Lighting Set, being totally destroyed. The lofts were stacked with garden produce and utensils, all of which were destroyed. Two ferrets in a locker were burned to death.
The cause of the fire is unknown.
Aspenden
Fire
There was a blaze in the village last evening, when two straw stacks, the property of Mr Crouch, were completely destroyed by fire.
The outbreak occured at about 8 o'clock, and the reflection of thethe flames attracted many persons from neighbouring villages to a field opposite the Sports Ground, where the fire occurred.
The cause of the outbreak is unknown.