THRILLS AT A FIRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 208, 16 June 1936, Page 4

THRILLS AT A FIRE.

FEARS FOR GASOM ETE R.

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 15.

Half an hour of thrills and some anxiety for residents of Miramar living near the gasworks was provided tonight by a fire which seriously (la-m----aged 21 concrete-block making factory situated in the shadow of the gas—ometer. At the height of the out break the flames, driven by a southerly breeze, licked the side of the container, and according to spectators who could seeby the light of the fire, blistered the paint on its iron walls over an area of many square yards.

The fire occurred in the factory of the \Vinget Block Company, \Vexford Road, and was first noticed about 8.45, when smoke was seen issuing from several parts of the building, an old rambling one of corrugated iron on wooden frames. Mr J. Channock, whose property faces the main entrance to the factory, telephoned to the Central Fire Brigade Sta-tion, which conimunieated with the Miranmr and Constable Street Stations. An engine from each of these points was promptly on the scene, and men were also sent from the city station. When the firemen arrived flames were bursting through the roof of the storehouse which forms an upper storey to , the main factory. Dense clouds of smoke poured from the building, enveloping- the gasometer. ago-inst the sides of which flames and sparks were playing. The fire ‘could be seen all over the district, and extensive damage was done.