FIRE IN FURNITURE FACTORY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27434, 21 August 1954, Page 8

FIRE IN FURNITURE FACTORY

WOOD AND MACHINERY DAMAGED Prompt work by the Christchurch Fire Brigade saved the furniture factory and showroom of T. Cocks and Sons from destruction early yesterday morning. The fire apparently started near a fireplace in the machine shop on the ground floor, and spread rapidly through the stocks of wood and unassembled furniture parts. The floor was burnt through near the fireplace, the workmen’s lockers were destroyed, and a platform half way up the wall collapsed as the flames spread. The fire was checked by the brigade as it caught upstairs, but the heat scorched wood, unfinished furniture, and paintwork untouched by the flames. Only recently installed, some valuable machinery is being stripped down to check on damage, but the rapid work of the salvage crew helped to protect it. Staff, electricians, and workmen had made amazing progress in cleaning up, said the manager (Mr B. T. Cocks). The firemen had made a great save. About 3 am. a smell of burning and smoke were noticed by a journalist on his way home. He met the driver of a bakery van starting his rounds, and together they went to a butcher's shop and rang We fire brigade. The can was received about 3.15 a.m, and four engines were sent to the premises, three from the central station and one from St. Albans.