History of Dover

Nos. 1&2 Calais View at St. Margaret's in the occupation of Mr. James Atkins a fisherman, and Mr. Burville respectively, were the scene of a serious fire on Monday afternoon.  These two houses form one of two pairs of houses that overlook the sea from a position about half way down the zigzag road, which leads from the top of Bay Hill down to the beach.  The fire was first detected about a quarter to four in the afternoon.  The only occupants of No. 1 Calais View were Mrs. Atkins and a servant. They had occasion to go upstairs and whilst in the bedroom heard a noise which they thought resembled the falling of rain.  Fears that were aroused by the detecting of smoke, and going outside the house they saw masses of smoke coming through the roof.

The alarm was immediately raised and the Fire Brigade from the village was summoned by telephone.  The exceptional smartness of the turn out may be judged from the fact that the brigade were playing on the flames twelve minutes after the alarm was given.  The brigade was under Captain Mr. B. Slater consisted of Messrs. J. Bettridge, T. Clayson, M. Drew, A. Jellings, C. Hammond and messenger Clayson.  On their arrival at the scene they found Mr. Wellard and several others attempting to extinguish the fire by application, they quickly got to work and fortunately commenced operations at the right spot and the fire extinguished after about an hours hard work.  The efforts of the firemen were frequently applauded by the on-lookers, the flames had a firm hold of the roofs on both houses and left them by the time the fire was out practically roofless.  Mr. Burville's house seemed to have suffered the most.  Mr. Atkins house is insured, but not the furniture, whilst Mr. Burville's house and furniture were both insured.  During the following night relays of firemen kept up a watch until four the next morning to see that the smouldering embers did not again cause an ignition.

The new fire cart recently purchased by the Parish Council was used for the first time, and great benefit was derived from it being able to carry all the fire appliances without a return journey for a second load.  Fortunately one of the new fire hydrants recently laid by the council was within a very short distance of the scene of the outbreak.  The assistance given to the fireman by the Coastguards was very valuable. Mrs. Atkins senior who lives at Fernlea has stated that about nine o’clock that morning she smelt smoke which the had wind probably carried in that direction from Calais View, but she thinking that it was only a burning chimney thought nothing more of it.  No doubt whatever originated the outbreak it remained smouldering from that time till the fire broke out.  The houses, which have suffered by this out-break, are the property of Lady Margaret Cecil. (1905)