1920 Fire

The following report appeared in the Herts and Cambs Reporter on 5th March 1920:
On Wednesday afternoon a fire broke out in the sheds and workshops used by Mr P E Elbourn, near the Meldreth station.  The whole of the sheds, machinery, tools, and a traction engine standing in the yard undergoing repairs, were destroyed, but fortunately by strenuous efforts of the Melbourn and Royston Fire Brigades, and other help, the house in which Mr Elbourn’s sisters reside was saved.

The fire broke out in a small shed to the left of the house, and when the Royston Brigade arrived the whole range of workshops and sheds on the three sides of the yard were involved, and a big heap of coal, containing many tons, was blazing. The latter, the Brigade were able to save by the application of large quantities of water, which were made available by cutting into the river bank and letting back the water into a small stream which runs at the back of the house.
The Melbourn Fire Brigade, with their manual engine, did excellent work until the arrival of the Royston steamer [at] about 3.30.  The Royston men cleared off [at] about 9.15 in the evening, leaving the smouldering ruins in charge of the Melbourn Brigade.

No Comments

Start the ball rolling by posting a comment on this page!

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.