HOTEL FIRE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XL, Issue 9292, 29 April 1920, Page 5

HOTEL FIRE

GUESTS' NARROW ESCAPES.

. (Per Press Association.) , AUCKLAND, April 29. A fire occurred at 2 a.m. to-day on the third storey of the Metropolitan Hotel, Queen Street. The flames spread with great rapidity. Twenty boarders were aroused, but they had no time to dress, and they dashed for safety down the fire-escapes and 'stairs. John Ashburn, third' cook, made for a front window surrounded by flames. He was' overcome by the heat, and his clothes were burning. "He collapsed on the fire,escape; and remained with his feet caught in the ironwork, calling for help. He, however, succeeded in grasping the framework of the fire-escape, and dropped to the verandah roof, ten feet below. He was assisted to the street, and removed to the hospital, suffering, from severe burns to the head and arms.

Mrs Shand, a lady boarder on the top floor, escaped when the passages were full' of smoke. Another boarder was forced back by the flames and smoke on the stairs, and he got out by the fire-escape. The fire brigade found the flames high above the roof, and great volumes of smoke were pouring from the windows. They fought stubbornly for nearly an hour until the fire was finally well in hand. The fire did not extend beyond the hotel. The hotel was almost completely gutted in the upper storey, and great damage was caused below by smoke and water.