This article relates to the fire of Bradford on June 24th, 1862, which originated in an unknown stable in the main city sector. There is no lasting record of a newspaper published during the week of the fire.
"Fire Inquest
On Friday morning last [June 27th], Corner Allen, with a Jury, held an inquiry into the causes of the late fire. About a dozen witnesses were examined, after which the jury returned the following verdict: 'We, the Jury empannelled to inquire into the causes or origin of the fire that occurred in this village on the night of the 24th [June] inst., having heard the testimony brought before us, are of the opinion that such fire originated through accident, whose cause is unknown to this Jury. -A.S. Warburton, Foreman' No evidence was adduced to show that there was either a candle or lamp in the stable on the evening in question."
An undated photo found in the Bradford Witness of Holland Street prior to the 1959 fire which destroyed some of these businesses. The two buildings on the left of the photo were damaged by fire, with the far left one completely destroyed.
"No cause has yet been determined for a stubborn blaze which broke out in a house at 16 John Street East in Bradford last Tuesday. The Bradford Fire Department was called out at about 4 pm to quell the blaze which broke out in a back apartment, occupied by Dick Gullinger. Fire Chief Harold Boyd said the whole apartment was in flamed by the time the firefighters arrived on the scene, and there was no hope of saving it. The back wall of the house was also badly damaged, and thick smoke made the rest of the house uninhabitable for the occupants of the other two apartments, John Faria Jr., and Louis Dasiba. "It was a tough one to put out," Chief Boyd said, explaining there were many false ceilings in the old house which had to be torn away to get at the flames. The chief estimated it took about three hours to put the fire out. The occupants managed to remove most of their belongings during the blaze, and there were no injuries. There has been no estimate of damage."
"While not disparaging the splendid service and fine co-operation of the firemen from neighbouring municipalities, in the battle to save Bradford from more extensive damage from fire last Wednesday, the brunt of the long hours of the fight, and the strain of responsibility, fell upon the home brigade, and their magnificent effort and success merits the gratitude of every Bradford property owner." ...
"The new fire alarm siren has been installed and some time Friday evening an alarm will be sounded to test the system and also the response of the firemen to the new alarm. The brigade will hold a meeting during the evening to discuss general business."
"Owners of businesses destroyed in last Wednesday's fire are making arrangements to carry on business in temporary quarters and are planning a building program. According to present plans, a fine new business block will rise this year on the site of the stores destroyed in last Wednesday's conflagration." ...
"Fire, Fire, Fire! I have pleasure in stating that I shall soon make arrangements, for the purpose of disposing of the Dry Goods saved from the Fire of the 24th ult. The Goods are in excellent condition and will be sold At and Less than Cost, for Cash. They are principally this Spring's purchases, and consist of Staples which everybody requires. I expect to see the "old familiar faces," and a good many new ones - and that, ere many weeks, the last "remnant" will have disappeared. D. James George, Bradford, July 2, 1862."
Contains news clippings and articles on various disastrous events of Bradford West Gwillimbury; includes fires, Hurricane Hazel, drownings, explosion, train wrecks
"Bradford's fire siren apparently is not in working order, and the old bell, which used to cause a big alarm, now gives only a faint tinkle, and the few who do hear it, hear so little they are seldom sure just what they head. all in all, our fire alarm system is not alarming. Saturday firement had to attend Kapisak's vegetable booth when fire cause considerable damage. had it not been for the sire on the fire truck it is doubtful if even the main street business people would have known there was a fire. Most of us are interested enough in the fate which befalls the other and want to lend a helping hand if fire is destroying a friend's property and would therefore encourage the idea of the repair or replacement of the fire siren."
"When the fire alarm sounded at 4.30 o'clock on Monday afternoon, the billowing smoke at the top of the hill in town confused, giving the impression that the fire was closer and presenting rather an alarming picture. However, when the fire-fighting equipment went on to the brow of the hill, the fire was located on the Stoddart property and it was the barn. The older timber provided material for a real conflagration and the fire, having gotten away to a good start, was out of hand before the firemen arrived on the scene. All they could do was stand by to protect neighbouring properties. Later Monday night, with a breeze blowing, the brigade returned when sparks menaced the neighbourhood. The cause of the fire is unknown."
