Fire at Ilsington: A fire, which might have proved serious had it occurred late in the night, broke out on Friday evening at the “Carpenters’ Arms” Inn. About seven o’clock Mr. J. Denley, a resident of the village, saw smoke proceeding from the building, and informed the landlord, Mr. W. Sanders. The outbreak took place in a loft over the stables where a quantity of straw was stored. This is under the same roof as the inn. A number of willing helpers carried buckets of water and kept the flames under, while others assisted in removing the furniture from the house. The Bovey Tracey Fire Brigade was wired for, and great credit is due the captain (Mr. Mardon) and his men for the promptness of their arrival on the scene with the fire-engine. The Brigade soon set to work. It was found necessary to strip off a portion of the roof, as the fire had a hold on the woodwork. Between ten and eleven o’clock Mr. Mardon declared the fire to be thoroughly extinguished. Much damage was done by the water. Mr. Sanders had not his goods insured, and, luckily, the fire did not touch his household furniture. No reason for the outbreak can be ascertained. The house is the property of Mr. Pinsent, of the Newton Abbot Brewery. This conflagration illustrates the need for a proper water supply for the village – Far less damage would have been done had there been good supply at the helpers’ command at the outset.
Transcribed in whole or part from scanned originals: Presented with or without modified text and punctuation. For absolute accuracy refer to the original newspapers. Source: The British Newspaper Archive
Referenced
GRO0911 Devonport: William Swain Pinsent: 1843 – 1920