Cambridge Independent Press 23 Jun 1893: Parsons farm fire

TRUMPINGTON

STACK FIRE. – About 4.15 on Sunday afternoon a fire was discovered in some stacks upon the Church Farm, Trumpington, which is occupied by Mr. Francis Parsons. P.c. Salmon was on the spot within minutes of the discovery, and was followed later on by Superintendent Whitechurch, Sergeant Quincey, and P.c.’s Carter and Cater. A detachment of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Brigade also went over, but the fire was not extinguished until two stacks of wheat straws, the produce of 60 acres, valued at £350, had been destroyed, and some fencing and a shed had been damaged to the extent of about £20, all of which is covered by insurance. The cause of the fire is at present shrouded in mystery. It is thought that it could not have been the work of an incendiary, as several persons were near by just before and at the time the fire broke out, and anyone leaving the premises must have been seen. It is the opinion of some that the fire was caused by the excessive heat of the sun focussed through some broken glass, but others think that although the sun was excessively powerful, the fire was caused by the end of a cigar or cigarette being thrown near the stacks.

Fire at Trumpington.

I, the UNDERSIGNED, wish to thank the inhabitants of the parishes of Trumpington and Grantchester for their prompt assistance in preventing the fire which occurred at my Farm on Sunday last, from spreading to the buildings. I would also thank members of the University for their valuable aid, and the Cambridge Fire Brigade for coming so far to do all they could in time of danger.

FRANCIS PARSONS