FIRE AT BELFAST

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23515, 18 December 1941, Page 2

FIRE AT BELFAST

—*— SOAP COMPANY’S BUILDING DESTROYED

Fire which broke out in the Zealandia Soap, Candle, and Trading Company's factory at Belfast shortly after 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon totally destroyed one of the buildings used for the manufacture of sandsoap, washing powder, and soft soap. * A large brick wall forming the side of the building prevented the fire from spreading to the two main sections of the factory, where 80-ton soap vats are housed and tons of candle wax and tallow are stored. This is the third fire at the company’s factory within eight years. The first fire, in 1933, broke out in the main soap-making department and cost more than £15,000. On the second occasion, three years ago, the loss was estimated nt £17,000. The building destroyed yesterday was not affected by the last fire. When “smoko" bell rang at 3 o clock yesterday there was no sign of fire in the building, but returning between 10 and 15 minutes later men employed in the building noticed smoke issuing from the roof. The company’s hoses were played on the fire until the arrival of an engine from the Christchurch Fire Brigade. The factory, which is outside the brigade’s normal area, has an agreement with the Christchurch Fire Board, and in accordance with this, an engine was sent from the central fire station. Its prompt arrival shortly after the call, and the work of the six firemen, prevented what might have been a repetition of former losses. Smoke was visible for some distance over the countryside and crowds of children and residents gathered to watch the firemen at work. Although the building was a total loss, the fire was well under control by 5 o’clock. The greatest loss was a large quantity of soda ash used in the manufacturing process. This powder had been imported from England and was stored in large barrels along the side .of the brick wall.' Co’mbustion was thought to be the cause of the fire. There was no boiler in the building, the only source of heat being steam carried by pipe from the central building to a room where sandsoap was dried. The building is insured with the Queensland Insurance Company, but It was impossible to estimate the amount of the damage last evening.