FIRE AT GASWORKS

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20730, 15 December 1932, Page 12

FIRE AT GASWORKS

• 1 EXHAUSTER HOUSE MUCH DAMAGED. BRKJADESMEN RISK THEIR LIVES. [TUB PKESS Special Service.] AUCKLAND. December 14. DevonpOrt volunteer firo brigadesmen took their lives in their hands this morning when quelling an outbreak in the Auckland Gas Company's plant in Lako road. Although an official oxplantation of the cause of the fire is lacking, it is understood that a "workman engaged in tlio purifier tank accidentally struck an' iron main with a pick. This is said to have caused what is described as a backfire, that went through to tho exhauster house, which contains tho pressure pumping plant and tho heads of all tho mains. The valves were immediately turned and the firo cut oil". It was not long beforo there was a feeling of security, but later on, when the valves were reopened, there was a startling explosion from under tho iloor of tho exhauster bouse, and almost immediately tho building was a mass of flames. Tho Dovonport Firo Brigade received a call at 10.30 a.m., and, under the direction of Superintendent H. Follus, 14 men were quickly on the scone. With four men, tho superintendent entered tho burning building. Flames were shooting through tho door and windows, and the smell of escaping gay was everywhere. WiCh two loads of 1 hose inside and one playing on tho roof from the outside, tho flames were quelled after desperate work in an" atmosphere reeking with gas and ammonia fumes. During operations, part of the roof fell in, and there was danger to the men from falling beams. When tho flames were under control it was discovered that tho mains were on lire, and tho most hazardous work was sealing fireclay, which was quickly transported in buckets and tins from another part of the plant. When tho brigadosmen came out of the building, it had the appearaneo of a complete wreck. Tho damage put out of action competoly the manufacture of gas, and users will he supplied in the meantime from huge containers in which there in at present sufficient gas to last for about 24 hours. Tt is hoped by tho management that tho plant will be repaired in time to carry on operations by the time tho containers nro empty, and that little or no ..inconvenience will be caused, except to people in the more remote localities served. Superintendent's Story. A graphic account of thp fire was given by Superintendent Follas. "It is difficult to explain exactly what happened," ho said. "If it had been a residence or business premises wo would have been quite at homo. When tho brigade arrived on the sceno firo was coming out of tho building where the mains are situated and the pumps operated, and I led three men into tho place. We did not*know what to expect or what might happen. There had been one explosion, and thcro was no knowing whether tho whole pbice would blow up afc 'inv moment. The gas mains themselves were on fire and tho flames were vicious. Tho risk to all concerned was tremendous, and it is a wonder that nobody was rendered unconscious hv tho fumes and beat. We had to go into tho building, as it was useless attempting to fight from the outside. Two leads of hose were soon plaving on the flames from the interior and one from the outside. Tho men stuck it for about an hour. As wo gradually 1,10 ""dor control tho employees of the company risked their lives in the building to operate the valves. W, were fighting against time as there appeared to ho a chance of the whole place blowing up at any was no insurance on the plant.