Salvage Corps

As municipal fire brigades became more competent in the 20th century, the private fire companies cut back their services and emphasised salvaging property after the regular firemen had done their job.

This included: On the 28th of March, 1960, a fire broke out on Cheapside Street.

Some of the wooden casks, under the heat of the fire, had ruptured which caused a massive liquid vapour explosion.

The explosion ripped apart the front & rear walls of the building.

Sadly, the impact instantly killed 3 Fire Men in the explosion because of the flying bricks and a further 11 at the rear of the building in Warrock Street who were buried in the rubble, so with three Fire Appliances.