Fire at Heywood House in 1950

Fire at Heywood House in 1950

Heywood House went on fire on January 31st 1950. The fire caused extensive damage.

Fire at Heywood House in 1950

Fire at Heywood House in 1950

Heywood House went on fire on January 31st 1950. The fire caused extensive damage.

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Heywood House burned down on the Feast of St. John Bosco on 31st January 1950. Flames were seen rising steadily through the roof slabs.

This was the oldest part of the house where the woodwork would have been very old, and a fire extinguisher gave no hope of saving the house. The massive slabs and burning rafters crashed onto the beds in the boy's central dormitory.

If this had happened an hour later the tragedy would have been appalling. Thank God no lives were lost. Local fire units from all around the area were called to the scene. The Firemen had to contest not only with flames, but with icicles forming on the ladders.