Derby Mercury 24 Sep 1879

DISTRICT NEWS
ASHBOURNE

FIRE AT SHIRLEY.— Soon after one o'clock on Thursday morning last, the town was disturbed by an alarm of fire, a message having arrived requesting the engine be sent to Shirley, where a stack of hay, belonging to Mr. Twigge, farmer, was burning. The brigade mustered with great aclarity, and started at full speed, and under the command of Captain Wise, for the scene of the fire, which, we regret to hear, is supposed to have been caused purposley. A considerable portion of the rick was saved, and the fire was prevented from extending to other property.