FIRE AT HEIGHT OF STORM

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28399, 4 October 1957, Page 18

FIRE AT HEIGHT OF STORM

Shed And Garage Destroyed

(Hew Zealand Press Association) HOKITIKA, October 3. The thunderstorm which struck the West Coast on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning caused extensive damage on the property of Mr T. A. Condon, jun., of Tatara, two miles north of the Franz Josef Glacier. At 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Mrs Condon was awakened by a violent thunderclap and, noticing a strong smell of smoke, went to a window to investigate. The implement shed and garage, near the house, were a mass of flames. A high wind was blowing at the time and nothing could be done to save the buildings or contents. Although the cause of the fire is not known, it seems that the implement shed was struck by lightning. A motor-car, diesel lighting plant, and farm tools were all destroyed. Fortunately, Mr Condon’s tractors were in another shed. Neighbours’ Assistance Nearby settlers, who had also been awakened by the storm, noticed the glare of the fire and immediately went to Mr Condon's

assistance. Five men formed a bucket brigade, and securing water from a nearby tank, prevented the flames from reaching the house.

Windows were broken and the paint peeled off the walls by the heat, but the efforts of the men, and the fact that the wind was blowing away from the house, prevented its destruction. Although no estimate of the damage could be obtained today, it is understood that Mr Condon’s loss was covered by insurance. All telephones in the Franz Josef district were put out of order by the storm, but toll circuits with Hokitika were restored at 4 p.m. yesterday.