Fire at Keswick Print E-mail
On Tuesday morning last, the back premises of Mr. John Clark, spirit
merchant, were discovered to be on fire, and on the fire-bell being rung the
people were aroused from their slumbers, and hastened with buckets in hand
to the spot, and by dint of exertion soon had the fire under. Fortunately
there was a pump on the premises, and a plentiful supply of water from the
taps in neighbouring houses. The town's fire engine, if it may be so called,
was brought out, but it was found to be utterly useless, full of dirt and
rusted up, without hose, buckets, or any of its appendages - a complete
disgrace to the town. Surely this state of things will not be permitted to
exist ; and it is to be hoped the Board of Health will provide for these
emergencies, and at once procure hose, not only for the engine, but also to
fix to the hydrants in different parts of the town. The fire originated in a
wash-house, and had it not been discovered in time might have been of
serious consequence, as Mr. Clark's spirit vaults adjoin the premises ; as
it was, the damage done was not so serious as might have been expected. We
believe Mr. Clark's premises are not insured.