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Last evening about twenty minutes before six o’clock the sky was illuminated by a terrific glare of light, which was found to proceed from the Gas Station. Within ten minutes of the alarm the No. 1 Corporation Engine was on the spot. No. 2 and the engine closely followed this from the Heights under the direction of Sergeant Major Kent and fully manned by a large body of the Royal Artillery who are ever found ready on such disastrous occasions to render their able assistance. On the arrival of the engines it was intimated that their services would not be required as from the fire being confined to an escape of gas. Ample means were at hand to arrest the progress of the fire the flames however continuing with unabated fury for nearly half an hour. Having communicated to the retort house the hose of one of the engines was passed over the walls of one of the works and operating upon the spreading fire speedily extinguished the flames in that corner and a subsiding of all further fear of danger soon followed.

At an early stage from the immense glare of light and the announcement that the Gas Works were on fire and that a tremendous explosion must ensue. The utmost consternation prevailed in the immediate vicinity of the disaster and we might add through the town generally in reference to the ultimate issue of the event. However from judicious course adopted by Mr. Kirkham, the fears excited were soon allayed and all just call of alarm removed. On an enquiry as to the origin of the fire we found it to have been occasioned while turning the valve, which communicates between the two gasholders. The valve it appears works by crank and in turning it when half open some impediment occurred. When the rush of gas from the aperture ignited the lamp that was burning close by the heat. This was so intense that the solder melted from one of the pipes leading from the purifiers, which also became ignited and caused a most terrific glare illuminating the sky, the reflection of which over the town. This caused an immense concourse to assemble in a short period the majority whom appeared very cautious of approaching too near the premises for the fear of the reported “terrific explosion.” In less than an hour the flames were entirely subdued and too much praise cannot be given to Mr. Kirkham the engineer of the works for the very judicious means employed nor to his men for the alacrity with which they executed his orders. Many of who rushed close to the flames, the heat from which was intense for the purpose of filling the pipes with water.

The Grenadier Company of the 50th Regiment was in prompt attendance accompanied by Major Long and rendered efficient aid in processing the pipes of the engine from being trampled over. The town last night was in a state of total darkness till the rising of the moon, but we hear the damage to the works is so trifling that the lamps will be lighted this evening. We regret to hear that Mr. Peake of the Custom House sustained severe injuries by falling into the well-hole a depth of about 8 feet.

(January 1849)