WAR OFFICE FIRE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 17, 31 October 1940, Page 5

WAR OFFICE FIRE.

OUTBREAK IN WASHINGTON.

DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS.

(Received This Day, 9.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, October 30

It is announced that a fire which started in, the munitions building housing the office of the Secretary of War is under control. It damaged or destroyed an undetermined number of documents and files, hut the code room was not damaged. Fire-hose crews were stationed on the roof.

The draft conscription lottery headquarters are directly across the street. Officials were prepared to remove the conscription records if necessary.

THREE WINGS GUTTED

INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSE

(Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.)

WASHINGTON, October 30

Hundreds of people watched eight fire companies battle with the flames, which gutted three wings of the building and set fire to a fourth. The Chief of Staff (Mr Marshall) called out 500 soldiers to aid in removing the archives.

The War Department has appointed a board to investigate the cause of the fire.

Mr H, L. Stimson (Secretary for War) stated his belief that the fire was probably caused by a short-circuit in the electrical equipment or by a. cigarette. He did not. suspect sabotage.