Sarah
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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 11 Aug 1926
Page 4 Column 6
DISASTROUS FIRE AT WATCHET
WOOD PULP STACK IN FLAMES.
£15,000 DAMAGE.
A serious outbreak of fire occurred on the quay at Watchet on Saturday afternoon, when several hundred tons of Scandinavian paper pulp stacked there, the property of the Wansborough Paper Company, caught fire. The outbreak, it is thought, may have originated from spontaneous combustion owing to the recent hot weather, or may have been started by a spark from a passing train. The fire was discovered at about 4.30 p.m., and an alarm was at once given at the Wansborough Company's mill, about half a mile distant. The entire mill staff, led by Mr. MacLAREN, the foreman, immediately turned out to fight the flames, which by now were blazing up to a great height. A call was sent to Watchet and Minehead Fire Brigades, both of which were soon on the spot. Unfortunately the tide was out, and the only water available had to be pumped through a quarter of a mile of hose.
TAUNTON BRIGADE SUMMONED.
At 9 p.m. the flames were still forging ahead, and a call was given to the Taunton Brigade, which was soon on the spot, and as the tide was then in, water was more plentiful. When the Brigade arrived the fire was practically at its worst, the red glow of the flames being visible for many miles around. The Brigades fought the fire manfully, but could do little more than prevent the fire from spreading, for the middle of the blazing pulp stock, which roared like blast furnaces, was white hot, and turned the water into steam immediately.
Throughout the night the Taunton and Minehead fire engines pumped water at full pressure on the blazing pulp, and pumping operations continued until three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, when it was considered safe to cease. At about 4 p.m., the Taunton Brigade left for home, but the Minehead Brigade stood by until Monday morning in case of emergency. Salvage operations are taking place, and it is stated that the loss, said to be covered by insurance, amounts to £15,000.
ANOTHER OUTBREAK.
At 6 a.m. on Sunday morning another fire broke out in the paper loft of the Wansborough Company, Watchet Mill, where some 50 tons of paper were ablaze. Men of the Taunton, Watchet, and Minehead Brigades rushed tot he spot, and fought the flames for more than two hours, eventually succeeding in extinguishing the outbreak, which was caused, it is stated, but the fusing of an electric wire. Dur- <sic> Sunday and Bank Holiday the scenes of the fires were visited by large crowds of visitors.