On Sunday a fire originated in a carpenter shop at the back of The Queens Head public house in Biggin Street, which for a short time caused considerable alarm. The proprietor of the Queens Head, Mr Whitney, is a carpenter by trade and had a small shop at the rear of his house adjoining the Salem Chapel and in close proximity to the timber yard of Mr Finnis.

The origin of the fire is unknown but it was discovered between seven and eight o’clock in the morning. A few members of the Salem Chapel congregation were engaged at the time in early devotional exercise in the school room attached to the Chapel, which overlooks the scene of the fire, and to this circumstance may be attributed to the speedy suppression of the conflagration. On the calamity becoming known the service was suspended and all those engaged in it that were capable of giving assistance did their best to extinguish the flames. Meanwhile the alarm was raised and the volunteer Fire Brigade with their apparatus was promptly in attendance under the direction of Mr. Superintendent Coram.

The water mains were charged at the time, as there was therefore a copious supply of water at a pressure that speedily put flight of all apprehensions of further damage. Some of the Chapel windows were broken, some gas pipes melted, and a staircase leading to the schoolroom was considerably scorched, so that if aid had not been rendered in the most prompt and effectual manner the consequence to the edifice and the surrounding property would have been most disastrous. In addition to a large store of timber there were nearly fifty barrels of tar on the premises of Mr. Finnis. The carpenter’s shop was entirely destroyed together with a number of valuable tools it contained.

The police report that a man was brought before the magistrates on suspicion of setting the place on fire, but the Bench considered the evidence produced to vague to justify his detention and he was therefore set at liberty again. Mr. R. H. Jones the owner of some adjoining property has addressed the following letter to the members of the volunteer fire brigade.

To the Volunteer Fire Brigade Dover.

Gentleman,

Your services at the fire on Sunday morning last have placed me under great obligation to you for which I beg to thank you most sincerely. I regret my absence prevents me from personally thanking you. Although your services are voluntary I hope you will permit me to send you a “check” for £5 as on the other side, which can be placed to the credit of your treasurer towards the necessary expenses attendant on your service, or otherwise disposed of as you may think fit. Again thanking you for your ascertains believe me. Your obliged and faithful servant R. H. Jones. (1862)