BIG WAREHOUSE FIRE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23495, 25 November 1941, Page 8

BIG WAREHOUSE FIRE

* INQUIRY OPENS AT AUCKLAND STATEMENT FOR JOHN BURNS AND CO. (P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 24. An inquiry into the cause of the fire at John Burns and Company’s warehouse on the morning of August 19 opened to-day in the Magistrate’s Cqurt building before the Commissioner (Mr F. K. Hunt). There were many counsel representing various interests, also representatives of the Police and Internal Affairs Departments. A statement on behalf of the firm was made by Mr R. M. Reed, counsel for John Burns and Co., Ltd. He said that their block consisted of two buildings, that on Commerce and Customs street east, being known as the Holdship building, and that on .the corner of Fort street lane and Customs street east, being known as the Morton building. Counsel described the fire escape facilities and said that there was a fire alarm system throughout both buildings, also a fire hose and hydrant on each floor level by the main staircase connected with adequate water supply. The lift well was faced on the south and west by brick walls and elsewhere by timber framed walls. It was the subject of customary inspection. The outer door was solid wood. After the fire, grease was still in the lower guides, showing that the fire had not reached it. Fire Alarm System Mr Reed said that, owing to structural defects, renovations and repairs had been carried out almost continuously under a general permit obtained in 1938. This work disturbed the whole of the electrical system in the area, and the electrician or his representatives were continually in the building. The fire alarm system was also disturbed, and there had occasionally been false fire alarms. The company had complete confidence in the architects, contractors, and sub-contractors. Mr Reed said that he could obtain no evidence of an inspection having been carried out by the fire brigade. Mr A. K. North (representing the Fire Board); How long would that be? Mr Reed: For the last seven years. Mr North; I have a report showing that a Mr Brash interviewed the Fire Brigade in November, 1940. The commissioner; We will pet that in the course of examination. Mr Reed said that it had been suggested that the rapid spread of the flames was due to the use of cellulose paint on the walls and ceilings in renovation work. The architects advised that no cellulose paint was used in any part of the work. The firm could only suggest that the old kauri timber, dried and seasoned, must have been highly combustible. After the fire the electrician- reported, in writing, that although one, or possibly two, fuses of the same polarity had blown, it was apparent that the arc between the contacts had been sustained. The electrician reported that this produced terrific heat and destroyed the porcelain of the fuses and made it possible for the circuit wires to ignite the other circuit wires behind the switchboard. It was submitted that some responsible authority should insist that all switchboards on direct current should be encased in fire resisting material. Had the firm been so forewarned it would have taken steps to safeguard the property. The restored- building was being served with alternating current, and the main switchboard and distribution switchboards would be installed in brick cubicles. The firm had confidence in the fire alarm system. The firm had already taken steps to provide, more fire escapes for customers and staff in the reconstructed building. Statement Corrected Alter an adjournment for an inspection of the premises, Mr Reed corrected his statement that there had 'been no casual or periodic inspection by the fire board. He was now informed by Mr Brash, an employee of the firm, that twice since 1934 the brigade had made an inspection. Patrick Joseph Delaney, a cleaner, said he opened the premises about 6 o’clock, and noticed, nothing unusual. About 8.20 a.m., when cleaning on the ground floor, he heard a loud explosion, and saw a flash which came from the direction of ihe switchboard. He went upstairs to get a hose, and was told by the late Mr Baker not to use it, because he might be electrocuted. He returned to the ground floor, and saw flames blazing by the switchboard. He obtained a ladder and broke the fire alarm in the ceiling. The brigade arrived about 10 minutes after the alarm was given. On arrival the brigade did not seem to be in any hurry, and sat on the engine for about one minute. They did not seem to think that it was a real fire, and appeared to hesitate. There were eight or 10 firemen. The brigade ladder would not reach to the top floor. To Mr Goldstine, representing the Queensland Insurance Company, witness said that when he saw the men sitting on the engine he went to grab a hose, but the firemen took it out of his hand. Replying to Mr North, witness admitted that he was a little excited. Several witnesses were heard during the day. The manager of the firm said that as soon as 4110 fire was reported ho advised the brigade, receiving a reply that one engine was on the way. He later asked the brigade to send everything they had. The office boy said that when the brigade arrived they jumped off the engine, and got out their hose very quickly. The inquiry is expected to last several days.