FIRES.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14379, 12 June 1912, Page 10

FIRES.

ELDERLY LADIES SERIOUSLY BURNT. At 8.56 last evening it was reported to the Fire Brigade by alarm that there was a fire near Barbadoes and CaA-iel street. At about the same time a telephone message was received stating that a seven-roomed house at the corner of Hereford and Barbadoes street was on fire. The Brigade turned out at once, with the motor chemical and motor pump, and twelve linen. The horse chemical, with six men, also turned out from Chester street. "_.'.'■ On arrival at the scene of the fire it-was found that there-was an outbreak in a bedroom, having originated, it seemed; in a Wardrobe. There had been in the room a Mis- Williamson and a Miss Henry, the occupiers of tho house, both old ladies. Both iwero burnt before a passer by hearing their cries, broke a window, jumped through, and led them to the back door, which jis nearer to Hereford street than to Barbadoes street. It is stated-that neither lady has good eyesight, and they were in the scullery, searching their way out, though not far from the door, when rescue came. The Brigade having arrived, one delivery of water sufficed to suppress the fire -which-, was a very small 'outbreak, of, no serious nature. Both ladies wero removed to the hospital iv the ambulance suffering from burns and shock. Tho house was owned by Mr W. Robinson, and' occupied by the ladies named. It was insured for £450, in an office tho name of which was not available last night. It is not. known whether the furniture was insured.. Miss Williamson, aged 77, the chief sufferer, is very badly burnt about tho body,* the head, the legs, and the hands. ; Tho burns are not deep, but are over a large area. She is suft'ering also from shock, and her condition at eleven o'clock last night was reported to bo critical. Miss Henry, whose age is 68. received her burns in attempting to put oat the flames which played about Miss Williamson. Her injuries are not serious, and are confined solely to her arms.