Mexborough and Swinton Times, April 29th,1932
Shop Fire
Dangerous Outbreak at Mexborough
Considerable Damage
Damaged valued at several hundreds of pounds was done by an outbreak of fire on Tuesday night at the premises of Mr. R. B. Kelway, wholesale and retail confectioner and toy merchant, Main Street, Mexboro’.
The fire was discovered by passing pedestrians, who saw dense smoke issuing from the upper storey about 10 o’clock. Immediately Mr. F Neath licensee of the Old Mason’s Arms Hotel, which is next to Mr. Kelway’s premises went by car to notify the police and fire brigade. Meanwhile Messrs. F. Bell and P. Beaumont, with other volunteers, secured fire extinguishers from the hotel broke into the rear of the premises – Mr. and Mrs. Kelway were out – and did their best to deal with the outbreak. The fire had started in a bedroom over the shop, in which goods and shop-fittings were stored. Dense clouds of smoke hampered their efforts. Inspector Redfern arrived with Mr. Neath and took charge until the arrival of the brigade. The inspector organised volunteers and under his direction a considerable amount of stock was saved, also money from a chest of drawers. Among others who gave assistance were Mr. J. Guest; Mr. S. Silverwood, and Mr. G. Bramhan, J.P. (Chairman and members of Mexborough U.D.C.
The fire brigade, with Mr. Grainger in charge, had a difficult hour’s work before they got the fire under control and made the adjoining property secure. Damage was done by heat and smoke to stock and furniture in various rooms. The ceiling of the shop gave way, and the ceiling of the stock room also. One of the firemen, Mr H. Smith, was cut severely on the hand and arm by flying glass, but after medical attention carried on.
The full brigade were at the outbreak until 12-30 a.m., and throughout the night police and several firemen stood by. The cause of the outbreak is unknown. The damage is covered by insurance.