The property involved belonged to Mr. John Clark, and was situated on land adjacent to his residence, Heatherbrees, Wellingborough Road, Rushden, and near to the Midland Railway line.  The call was received by the Fire Brigade at 12.20 a.m., and they proceeded with all haste to the scene of the outbreak, but unfortunately their progress with the steamer was considerably hampered by the state of the frozen roads, and by the time of their arrival the buildings were too well alight to admit of the possibility of anything being done beyond making an attempt to save some corn ricks and other property adjoining.

The alarm was first given to Fireman Sparrow, who lived nearest to the conflagration, and he at once sent a message through to the fire station.  The firemen on duty comprised Second Officer G. R. Turner, Engineer Claud Green, Firemen J. Sparrow, J. Whiting, L. Britchford, H. Payne, C. Timson, J. Wooding, and A. Jaques.  Great assistance in regard to salvage work was rendered by Inspector Osborne, Sergt. Brumby, PC Mattock and PC Sharman.  The latter was amongst the first to arrive on the scene, and with the assistance of Mr. W. G. Wilmott and Mr. King was instrumental in releasing several beasts and pigs from the burning buildings.  They were also successful in making an entrance to the burning cart shed, over which was a chaff loft, and they managed to remove some carts that had already ignited.  Shortly afterwards Sergt. Brumby arrived on a “borrowed” bicycle, and the combined efforts of the helpers resulted in the salvage of six trolleys and farm carts before they had suffered much damage. 

It was thought that the whole of the live stock had been got out of the burning buildings, until the agonised cries of the suffering horses provided touching evidence that they were dying a terrible death.  By this time nothing could be done for the unfortunate animals, and three horses, four heifers, and one small calf perished in the flames.  One rick of pedigree barley was also destroyed.

Pending the arrival of the Fire Brigade valuable work was done by Inspector Osborne, Mr. C. Clark, and the helpers above mentioned, who did their utmost to save the ricks with buckets of water, and it is largely due to their efforts that the remaining ricks and farm stock were not utterly destroyed.

One curious incident occurred amidst the tragedy, we understand.  A new watch-dog which was chained to its burning kennel was naturally doing his utmost to break loose, and finally the fire, by loosening the staple which held his chain, assisted the terrified animal and he bolted off for dear life, and up to Monday had not been traced.

The fire was still smouldering on Sunday at 11 a.m., and the firemen were still playing on the ruins.

Second Officer and Lieutenant G. R. Turner, who, as is well known, is in command of the Rushden Company of the 2^nd Battalion Northants Volunteers, in addition to being Second Officer of the Fire Brigade, was on parade and undertook a route march on Sunday morning in spite of the fact that he had been strenuously engaged for practically the whole of the preceding night in doing what he could to save Mr. Clark’s property.

The damage, we understand, is covered by insurance.  The cause of the outbreak is attributed to a spark from the engine of the last train on the Midland branch line.

Captain Fred Knight, J.P., was unable to take charge of the Fire Brigade owing to indisposition.