THIS worried crowd has collected outside the smoking remains of Airedale Shed at Silsden early in 1907, when mill fires, even when not causing deaths, could mean a loss of jobs.

This mill complex was occupied by five firms, running a thousand looms and employing a third of Silsden's workforce. Fire broke out in a warehouse during a Monday dinner-hour, and by mid afternoon the main three-storey building was gutted.

The appliances of the Silsden Fire Brigade proved inadequate for a major blaze, and their water supply insufficient, although they received prompt assistance from the Skipton brigade which was able to save part of the premises.

Keighley firefighters arrived rather late on the scene, provoking public criticism of the Silsden Council for not contributing towards Keighley Fire Brigade funds.

The firms chiefly affected were Messrs J Knox and Sons and Messrs Berry and Fletcher. However, both speedily contrived to keep most of their operatives in work.