Serious Fire at Conisboro’

On Sunday morning, between 12 and 12.30, an outbreak of fire was found to have occurred at the sawmill of Mr. Wm. Wilson, timber merchant, near the Railway Station, Conisboro’. The fire bell was at once rung, and the brigade were fairly prompt in responding to the call. The whole of the inhabitants being wrapped in slumber, the sound of the bell caused no small amount of consternation, and very quickly a large crowd assembled on the spot from all quarters.

At the upper end of the parish, it was thought that the fire was at the School Board premises, the flames being in that direction. The crowd was very orderly, and very much disposed to help in any way possible; in fact, quite a number of buckets were in use carrying water inside the building where most of the machinery was, which accounted no doubt in a great measure to avoid total destruction.

On arriving at the works, it was found that a shed, measuring 60 feet by 18 feet, containing a large stock of valuable dry boards, was beyond all hope of being saved from the ravages of the fire, which was blazing fiercely, lighting up the whole district very vividly, the flames shooting out to a great height. The roof was one mass of fire, and it was evident the building was doomed.

Although plenty of water was available, only one hose was in play, which much hampered the firemen’s efforts. It is stated that one of the boilers very possibly threw a bucket of tar on the burning flames, not being able to distinguish same from water. Every effort was made by the brigade to save the engine, and also the adjoining shed, which contained some valuable machinery. In this they were very successful, and after much labour all danger of spreading was averted.

Mr. Wilson, jun., was informed of the fire about 12.15, and, although he had retired to rest, was promptly on the spot, and at once advised attention to be paid to the adjoining buildings, which proved to be the best course possible. The cause of the fire is at present a mystery, and no conjecture can be made as to the origin of the outbreak.

Mr. Arthur Dickinson (a member of the School Board) took a very active part in abating the flames, as did all the members of the brigade. The fire was practically got under control by about 1.30 a.m., which was very creditable to the fire brigade, seeing they only had one jet playing, and that the fire had got such a hold. The men stood by till 8 a.m., and did not leave until the ruins had ceased smouldering.

The firemen displayed great bravery in risking their personal safety in trying to save as much of the property as possible. Mr. Wilson left the works all safe about noon on Saturday, and a late hour, 9 p.m., his son was on the premises, at which time all appeared to be safe. No one is known to have been on the premises, and it is indeed a puzzle to locate the cause.

The damage is estimated at over £2000, only a portion of which is partially insured, to the amount of about £400, £35 on stock and £365 on the buildings. The premises are the property of the Great Central Railway Company, but the whole responsibility falls on the tenants, who are liable for any damage that occurs in any way. The premises will have to be rebuilt, which Messrs. Wilson intend to do at an early date.

Consequent on the fire the timber has been temporarily suspended, but it is to be hoped that in a few days work will be resumed. The firm employ about 30 hands, all of whom are affected by the stoppage. The fixed engine will be repaired with all possible speed, but in the meantime a traction engine has been installed, by which power will be provided, until other arrangements are made. Meantime, Wilson desires to inform their numerous customers that they expect to be able to execute orders as usual in a few days, and ask for forbearance for the time being for any delay that may have occurred.