Fire at Ilsington: A fire broke out at Saunders’ “Carpenter’s Arms,” llsington, near Newton Abbot, Friday evening, about 7.15. Despite the strenuous efforts of the villagers, the flames could not be subdued, and at 7.30 a wire was despatched to the Bovey Tracey Brigade. Thirty-five minutes from the sending off the wire Chief Officer Mardon and his men were on the scene of the outbreak, which is a distance of a little-over three mile, the road being very hilly. The scarcity of water handicapped the brigade, but the little which was obtainable was made good use of. The building consists of the dwelling house and cellars attached to the outbuilding, and the fire, which originated in the loft, broke through to the adjoining bedroom. After continuous pumping by the brigade, backed up by the willing help rendered by P.C. Cottie and the villagers, including several women and girls, the fire seemed well in hand, and was got under before great damage was done to the dwelling-house. The property is owned Mr. W. S. Pinsent of Newton Abbot, and the damage is covered insurance. The furniture of Mr. Saunders was not insured. The brigade returned about 1 a.m. on Saturday morning.
[see also Western Times: Tuesday 8th September 1908 and similar Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: Monday 7th September 1908 and 11th September 1908]
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