Fire was a recurring hazard in small country towns in the late 19th century, when virtually every structure was made of timber, there was no reticulated water supply or supply source and fire-fighting equipment was virtually non-existent. The first major fire in Gunnedah occurred in April 1888, originating at night in a large wooden building in Conadilly Street which had been used as the Salvation Army barracks. The fire quickly consumed seven buildings, including the barracks, Mugivan and McClelland’s Bakery, the two-storey dwelling of James Pullen, the office of the Gunnedah Advertiser, Thomas Stewart’s store and two other private dwellings, […]