Saturday, October 7th, may have passed unnoticed by many, remembered only for its weather or daily routines. However, for the tight-knit community of Johnstone and the firefighting fraternity, this date holds a solemn place in history. It marks the 55th anniversary of the tragic loss of Firefighter Edmund E. Burt, a brave soul who made the ultimate sacrifice while battling a fierce blaze at the Linwood paper mill on that fateful day in 1968. In this blog post, we pay tribute to his heroism and remember the events that forever changed the lives of those involved.
The Call to Action: The emergency call was first received at Johnstone Fire Station at 2.43 pm, a moment etched in history as documented in the Western Area Fire Brigade report of 1968.
The Tragic Incident: The report vividly describes the heart-wrenching incident that unfolded that day. Firefighters were summoned to the Linwood Paper Mill, a 19th-century building with a rich history, once a cotton store. As they battled the raging inferno, tragedy struck. Four employees found themselves engulfed in a surge of flames.
“They were being treated for various degrees of burns while the appliances were arriving,” the report states.
The Response: The firefighting brigade left no stone unturned in their valiant efforts to control the fire. A pump was dispatched along with a water tender, turntable ladder, and other equipment from Paisley Fire Station. Ten jets and one water tower jet were employed, drawing water from street hydrants and an open water supply within the mill.
The Collapse: Tragically, at approximately 3:45 pm, disaster struck as the west wall of the building collapsed, trapping four crew members inside. Rescue operations commenced immediately, and three of the firefighters were miraculously recovered alive. However, the fourth, Firefighter Edmund E. Burt, had paid the ultimate price, succumbing to the falling masonry.
The Injured Heroes: Several other brave firefighters sustained injuries during the ordeal. Among them were Gerrard Gallacher, aged 26, of Seedhill Road; Ian Smillie, aged 25, of McKenzie Street; Charles Bishop, aged 52, of Sycamore Avenue, Johnstone; and Gordon Squires, aged 22, of Holmecroft Street, Greenock. Their courage in the face of danger deserves equal recognition.
A Lasting Memorial: In 2018, on the 50th anniversary of the tragic incident, a memorial to Firefighter Edmund E. Burt, who hailed from Largs, was unveiled on Napier Street in Linwood. This poignant gesture serves as a perpetual reminder of his sacrifice and the collective bravery of the firefighting community.
A Farewell Fit for a Hero: On the day of Firefighter Burt’s funeral, 250 firefighters stood in solemn tribute, lining the avenue as a fire tender bearing his draped coffin slowly made its way to Woodside Crematorium. It was a poignant and emotional farewell to a true hero.
Unanswered Questions: To this day, the cause of the Linwood Paper Mill fire remains shrouded in mystery, a reminder that heroes often emerge in the midst of uncertainty and danger.
Conclusion: As we marked the 55th anniversary of the tragic events at Linwood Paper Mill, we pay our respects to Firefighter Edmund E. Burt and the brave firefighters who risked their lives that day. Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the selflessness and courage that define the firefighting profession. May their memory continue to inspire us all to honor and support those who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe.
Paisley Photographs 