Woolworths fire

Post by **chameleon** » Fri 02 Jan, 2009 6:06 pm

just trying this following Phill's message above, seems like anything after 3 o'clockish has blipped.Always over a weekend isn't it? But does that mean the weekend starts at 1500hrs for the Guardians???

Post by **chameleon** » Fri 02 Jan, 2009 6:06 pm

just trying this following Phill's message above, seems like anything after 3 o'clockish has blipped.Always over a weekend isn't it? But does that mean the weekend starts at 1500hrs for the Guardians???

flying dutchman · Post by **flying dutchman** » Tue 13 Jan, 2009 10:14 am

It was this particular fire that led, after a lengthy process to the new regulations covering furniture with fire retardent foam and coverings. I think other changes to the fire regulations required the installation of sprinklers in places where large numbers of the public are fully enclosed in a building, on the day of this fire there were hundred of shoppers in there - could have been very much worse.I still use the video as a training aid but its getting very dated now.Hi Dave,I am searching for that particular video, I remember I've seen it on the discovery channel or National Geographic. Especially the part about the behaviour of people during a disaster about to happen. Can you tell me whats the name of that video?greets,Jeroen, the Netherlands

Morleylass · Post by **Morleylass** » Tue 13 Jan, 2009 9:54 pm

Hi there.When I originally read this thread I was sure like Geordie Exile that I remembered a fire in Leeds Woolworths when I was younger.I vaguely remembered that it was downstairs and the staircase to the downstairs was covered over for quite a while afterwards.The only person who I could have asked and confirmed it for me (me old Dad) died 14 years ago but a trip to Leeds and Woollies used to be a regular outing for us on a Saturday and this thread seemed to ring a bell.Anyway I typed it into trusty old Google which threw up an article on Wikipedia confirming it.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolworths ... _LeedsHope this helps.

Post by **chameleon** » Tue 13 Jan, 2009 10:32 pm

I'm not always convinced that the free posting on Wikipedia can be adequately verified which can leave some things open to an individual's representation but, in the citations to the article is a fliker link with this comment added:'sicliff3 says:I worked in Woolworths about 35 years ago when it was on Briggate and remember the frying range caught fire, as a 15 YO Saturday boy it was all very exciting watching the managers trying to put it out. 'Perhaps our geordie wasn't dreaming afterall

Morleylass · Post by **Morleylass** » Tue 13 Jan, 2009 11:44 pm

Fair point Chameleon.I did note when reading the wiki article that it said the store was spread over four floors and I recall there only being three - so I suppose it could be flawed information.

Post by **chameleon** » Tue 13 Jan, 2009 11:51 pm

Morleylass wrote: Fair point Chameleon.I did note when reading the wiki article that it said the store was spread over four floors and I recall there only being three - so I suppose it could be flawed information. Yes I only remeber basement, ground and first, but the 'eye-witnees' comment on the fliker set referred to does give some credence - I'm still thinking of the cafe/arcade, but am keeping an open mind.

String o' beads · Post by **String o' beads** » Wed 14 Jan, 2009 1:27 am

Actually, 1969 would be about right. But I do think I must be confusing the memory with the horrific Manchester fire and the photos in the paper of women trapped behind barred windows, screaming to be saved.

BLAKEY · Post by **BLAKEY** » Wed 14 Jan, 2009 10:43 am

Morleylass wrote: Hi there.When I originally read this thread I was sure like Geordie Exile that I remembered a fire in Leeds Woolworths when I was younger.I vaguely remembered that it was downstairs and the staircase to the downstairs was covered over for quite a while afterwards.The only person who I could have asked and confirmed it for me (me old Dad) died 14 years ago but a trip to Leeds and Woollies used to be a regular outing for us on a Saturday and this thread seemed to ring a bell.Anyway I typed it into trusty old Google which threw up an article on Wikipedia confirming it.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolworths ... _LeedsHope this helps. This is truly amazing Morleylass - as a person constantly interested in Leeds I would have sworn that there had never been any such fire or disruption. Just shows that our memories are never 100% no matter how certain we feel. (As an aside, isn't it frightening to think that such certainty could result in any of us innocently giving damning and incorrect evidence if called as a witness in a trial ?? )The Wiki website mentions more modern frontages for Woolworths but to a traditional old gimmer like me there was nothing finer than the original rich red signs with raised gold lettering "F.W.Woolworth & Co. Ltd - the 3d & 6d stores."

Post by **chameleon** » Wed 14 Jan, 2009 6:49 pm

But still not trully verified Blakey, I think I'd want more evidence, there's precious little if anything found documented which is strange for such an event.