Category: Fire

The Day the Mill Burned Down

 

By Arthur Woodgate

When I awoke on 13th June 1930, my bedroom window was full of flame (A sight not unusual ten years later). This was out beloved Windmill, by the River Tillingham, on fire. A different sight than that on the Rye’s Own Christmas card. By the time I dressed and got out to be on hand should any help be needed the mill was completely alight with its out line shape still showing through the flames, but seconds later it seemed to twist and collapse. Continue reading The Day the Mill Burned Down

Fireman Bob

The dreadful fire at the Central Garage at Rye in 1960 led to Rye Fire Brigade getting a new recruit.

Bob Rogers was only a lad at the time but heroically entered the blazing cottage at the rear of the garage, where he lived with his Mum and brothers, and attempted to save their budgie. He was burned on the hands by the wire on the cage which was so hot. Continue reading Fireman Bob

Retrospect 1967

1967 fades into 1968, this is the time of year when we look back over the past twelve months and reflect on the events that have taken place. What kind of year has it been for Rye in general. Continue reading Retrospect 1967

Fire & Flood

High Street Blaze

Two dozen firemen with four appliances fought a fierce blaze which did severe damage to three Rye business premises on Thursday, 21st September. Continue reading Fire & Flood

A Fireman Retires

Frank Bourn Retires

“Today I am a fireman, tomorrow I shall be a sexagenarian.” With these words, Station Officer Bourn, fireman by instinct and tradition, addressed his men at his farewell party held at the Crown Hotel on Saturday, November 12th. Continue reading A Fireman Retires

Fire at Furniture Repository

Furniture Store Blaze…

At 7.5 p.m. on the evening of Tuesday, 1st February, fire burst through the roof of Messrs. T. Bourne & Sons large furniture store in Eagle Road. This was the first indication of the blaze, minutes before passers by saw no signs of smoke or flame. The Rye Fire Brigade was quickly summoned and were on the scene within a few Continue reading Fire at Furniture Repository

Rye Firemen Go Over to Compressed Air

After Exhaustive Tests Rye Firemen go over to compressed air

East Sussex, like many of the Local Authority Fire Brigades throughout the Country, have found it necessary to replace their breathing apparatus equipment. After exhaustive tests and experiments with different types, it was decided to equip the fire appliances with compressed air sets and take out of service the ‘Salvus’ and ‘Proto’ oxygen sets. Continue reading Rye Firemen Go Over to Compressed Air