Museum in fire scare (From The Bolton News)

Museum in fire scare

BOLTON firefighters battled for more than four hours to stop one of Bolton's most historic buildings from going up in flames.

A chimney blaze caused major headaches for crews when they were called out to Bolton's Hall i'th' Wood Museum, a short distance from Bolton North Fire Station.

There were fears that the flames could spread into joists and roof timbers of the ancient building.

The fire was so serious that crews feared there would be major damage at the former home of spinning mule inventor Samuel Crompton.

The timbered building is now a Bolton Council run museum.

Fire crews managed to make the blazing chimney safe after a four-and-a-half struggle.

They were unable to use high pressure water jets for fear of damaging ancient timber joists. Damage was confined to the chimney.

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