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He spied the first superintendent of the fire brigades, Samson Bourne, hoarsely shouting orders to his men.
“Thomson, you’re to go no closer to fire or any other danger, do you hear?” When the man would have argued, James clasped a hand on his shoulder. “You have to make it back to Bridget and your family.”
Coughing, Thomson nodded, and James left him to seek out Bourne.
He and Bourne had known each other for years, having become acquainted through their participation on the fire committees for the docks. It was on Bourne’s recommendation that James had his warehouse constructed to include a variety of fire resistant and retardant features, including the iron doors.
When the firemen surrounding Bourne dispersed to execute his orders, the man saw James and came over immediately.
“Newly arrived,” James told him. “How may I be of use?”
“Firebreak,” he wheezed. “We need to create one. Your warehouse is lost, Robertson. My regrets.”
Though James had concluded the same, hearing it was another matter. For a moment, the roar in his ears surpassed the fire’s.
“These are too far gone as well.” Bourne pointed to the surrounding warehouses, some not yet completely engulfed, but close.
As they watched, sparks exploded and sprayed from one warehouse and onto a nearby building.
“I sent my men to fetch explosives for the firebreak. It’s the only way to save the rest,” the superintendent yelled.
“What of the steamers?” James asked about steam-powered engines, knowing they were much more effective than the manual pumps on site.
“Not here yet. Soon.”
“And the fire floats?”
“One is here now—eighty men on board operating its two pumps.” Bourne pointed off toward the Thames.
James was about to ask a last question, but a loud blast sounded, and the ground rocked.
He, Bourne, and everyone else in the vicinity crouched and used their arms as cover. Debris and sparks rained down from an explosion.
A minute later, just as they stood up tentatively, a horrific chorus of screams preceded another, more terrifying sound. In a sucking whoosh and then a bang, the pool of spilled tar ignited. Onlookers screamed helplessly as the men who stood within were set alight.
It was the first of many experiences in which James was powerless during the massive catastrophe.
