Leeds Mercury – Monday 23 December 1907

Fire at Hickleton Colliery.

 Prompt Measures Prevent Serious Disaster.

An alarming outbreak fire occurred the Hickleton Main Colliery on Saturday evening, and but for the prompt assistance of the officials and the villagers who are employed at the colliery, a serious disaster must inevitably have occurred.

At ten minutes to seven flames were seem issuing through the roof of the buildings on No. 1 pit bank. The buzzer blew the fire alarm, and quickly the managing director (Mr. W Wilde) and plenty of willing helpers were on the scene. The fire originated in the checkweigh-box, a short distance from the shaft. At first it looked if the whole pit bank and screens would be demolished, but happily the prompt attention and the admirable arrangements the colliery company have provided averted serious consequences.

Hundreds flocked to the scene, and caused great anxiety. One or two men were working in the shaft setting cables, but the fire did not affect them. After working desperately for over half an hour the Fire was subdued. The fire completely burnt down the weighbox and damaged the machines.

When the fire was got under control the first anxiety was as the fate of the books recording the men’s earnings during the past week. Fortunately the records for the past week were found safe, though singed.