Crossgill fire

The Crossgill Fire was a fire that started at Crossgill Farm in May 1988 when builder Phil Pearce accidentally left rags near a stove while on his dinner break.
==Build Up==
In November 1987, Matt Skilbeck inherited a dilapidated farmhouse called Crossgill Farm from Mr Metcalfe, an elderly farmer. Only after Metcalfe's death, did Matt discover that the farm was bequeathed to him. Matt's wife Dolly Skilbeck wanted to move in right away but Matt said there was a lot of work needed doing before it was liveable. Matt said it had dry rot, rising damp and needed much work. Matt hired local builder Phil Pearce to do the renovations. Matt and Dolly grew apart as she wanted to move in but Matt was happy at Emmerdale Farm.
==Plot==
On 18th May 1988, Phil Pearce went for his dinner break and accidentally left the stove on at Crossgill Farm with some rags near the portable stove. The rags ignited. The fire began to spread inside as Annie Sugden went to the farmhouse to look around. She went in, unaware that a fire was starting since it was contained to one room. However, she discovers one of the rooms completely ablaze and when she went upstairs, a window exploded and Annie dashed to another room for safety. Sandie Merrick and Dolly Skilbeck drove past and noticed the smoke billowing out, realising Annie was inside. Phil returned from his dinner break and saw smoke and flames, and Annie's car there. He heard Annie call out and risked his life rescuing her. She was OK apart from minor smoke inhalation.
==Aftermath==
Phil realised his carelessness may have started the fire but tried to cover his tracks. Matt Skilbeck was secretly relieved that Crossgill had burned down. He decided not to have it rebuilt. He was unsupportive towards a devastated Dolly so she later embarked on an affair.
==Background information==
Category:Events