The Warminster Herald, Saturday 24 July 1858, reported:
WISHFORD FIRE
During a thunderstorm, a cottage, belonging to Mr. Elias Cannings, was struck by lightning, about two o’clock on Friday morning, and, but for the timely assistance of the Wishford fire engine and brigade, his whole premises must have been destroyed.
The inhabitants and those of South Newton kept up a good supply of water from the neighbouring wells, so that by six o’clock the fire was got under, but 25 sides of bacon, 6 cwt. of cheese, two sets of harness, and other articles belonging to Mr. Cannings were injured from the effects of the fire.