When Boots in Blackpool town centre went up in flames
and live on Freeview channel 276
And it was one of the most tragic and poignant.
For it claimed the life of a young firefighter who had just returned to duty the day before after his honeymoon.
The body of Ray Laycock, who was 35, was found hours later in the cellar of the Boots Building between Market Street and Corporation Street.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe had been carrying a hose to the sea of the blaze when he was overcome.
Big crowds watched as flames rapidly took hold of the large building next to Blackpool Town Hall.
There were municipal offices above the groundfloor shop area and many valuable records were destroyed.
The blaze started in the Boots photographic department in the basement which was packed with inflammable chemicals and celluloid film.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdFiremen worked through the night buit the building was a left a smoking shell. The heat had killed fish and rabbits in neighbouring buildings.
Fire chief Tom Varley said: “The firemen were often working under very great danger and difficulty.”
He escaped death by inches the following day when part of a wall collapsed into West Street.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.