All at once the flames changed colour, and were partially obscured by a thick black smoke.

A large warehouse filled with resin, tar, and other combustible matters, had caught fire, and the dense vapour proceeded from the burning pitch.

But it cleared off in a few minutes, and the flames burnt more brightly and fiercely than ever.
Up to this time, none of the civic authorities having arrived, several persons set off to give information of the calamity to the lord mayor (Sir Thomas Bludworth), and the other magistrates.

A small party of the watch were on the spot, but they were unable to render any effectual assistance.

As the conflagration advanced, those occupying houses in its track quitted them, and left their goods a prey to the numerous plunderers, who were now gathered together pursuing their vocation like unhallowed beings amid the raging element.