Fireman attempt to control fires at Latham's timber yards with 4 acres of hardwood stock (worth £150k) burnt.

Huge fires breaks out at Latham’s Timber Yard in Hackney in 1940. With video footage of the timber yard structures collapsing as fireman and horses transporting water fight to put the fire out.

In 1940 the German Blitz saw 2 large fires start at their Leeside Wharf site – one in April and another just a few weeks later. Latham’s firewatchers worked hard to put out the fires ensuring the essential buildings and plant were saved. But were unable to protect all the store-yards where 4 acres of hardwood stock was burnt to the value of £150,000.

A video of a huge timber yard fire in Hackney (possible James Latham’s) can be found on British Pathe – ‘Big Timber Blaze’

Get directions

No Comments

Share your story

Do you have a story that relates to this history? At Bow Arts we're collating people's memories of these iconic places and items. To share yours, please leave a comment. You can also reply to other people.

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Historic location

A video of huge timber yard fire in Hackney (possible James Latham) can be found on British Pathe – ‘Big Timber Blaze’