FIRE DAMAGES HOTEL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28926, 20 June 1959, Page 14

FIRE DAMAGES HOTEL

Queenstown Brigade Checks Outbreak

(New Zeaiana Press Association) DUNEDIN, June 19.

Extensive damage was done by a fire which broke out early this morning on the top floor of the White Star Hotel at Queenstown. A fireman was left on duty after the fire had apparently been extinguished, but the blaze broke out again shortly afterwards. Eight rooms on the top floor were damaged, tlfe water seeping through to -the ground floor caused some damage in the kitchen.

The fire is thought to have started at about 1.45 a.m. It was under control soon after and out by about two o’clock, but an hour later broke out again. It was finally extinguished by 5.15 a.m.

An excellent save was made by members of the Queenstown Voluntary Fire Brigade. Using four leads, the brigade contained the fire to less than half the top floor and kept water damage to a minimum.

The few guests in the hotel escaped unscathed and it is believed that none of their belongings were destroyed or damaged

The fire started in an oilburning water heater in the kitchen and spread quickly up and inside the back wall of the building. Most of the upstairs accommodation will not be habitable until repairs are carried out. The proprietor (Mr S. W. Midgley) said he did not yet know his plans for the future.