Page 106 - IT'S A RUM LIFE BOOK FOUR Volume 1 "Northcote 1984 to 1998"

CHAPTER 21
“NOT SUCH GOOD TIMES”

THE FIRE
The fire came in 1991 but I think it best to put some of these unpleasant
“happenings” together rather than keep coming back again.

The buildings where the horses actually live only ever had one upgrade and that was after
the “fire”.
Today the wooden stable block stands to the east of the large metal shed, but before the
fire there was a large wooden “lean to” here. It was twice as wide as the stable block and
all the way along the back. This was where we stored all our winter hay supply.

I suppose it was at the height of the summer when it happened, the “lean to” was stuffed
with new hay and I had made particular mention to our helpers to ensure that the electric
light in that “lean to” was never to be left on.

It was me that came past the buildings one evening just after the horses had been brought
in out of the paddocks. Smoke was pouring out of the “lean to” and I could see flames
deep inside.

(Picture of the yard before the fire. The first stable block is straight in front and the lean to
full of hay was behind this and full length, with only access at one end. The end where you
can see the wind vane on the roof.)