SPECTACULAR FIRE AT SEFTON

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28963, 3 August 1959, Page 12

SPECTACULAR FIRE AT SEFTON

Rangiora Brigade Saves Homestead

A very good save was made by the Rangiora Volunteer Fire Brigade late yesterday afternoon when it attended a fire in the two-storey homestead of Mr T. A. W. Wyllie, of Sefton. The alarm was sounded about 5 p.m., and within 15 minutes the brigade had travelled about eight miles to the fire and was playing water on the flames. Smoke from the burning building was clearly visible from the Main North road, and attracted a number of Sunday afternoon motorists. Considerable damage was done to both floors on the western side of the house. The fire started in the vicinity of a space heater in the kitchen, and was discovered by Mr Wyllie when he returned after being away from the house for about an hour. Flames Held In Check Mr Wyllie and some neighbours started playing water on the flames with a garden hose, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire in the lower storey, but they were unable to stop it from spreading to the second floor and the roof. However, the fire had a strong hold when the trailer-pump unit from Rangiora arrived and the occupants of the house, eyewitnesses and the firemen themselves thought there would be little chance of the house being saved. Three leads were taken from the pump and within an hour the fire was well under control. Fortunately there was a good supply of water nearby.

“There were flames coming out of the second storey windows and out of the roof at one stage,” said one eye-witness.

Many Helpers Available Scores of volunteers, mostly neighbours, assisted with the removal of furniture and effects from the house and most of these were saved. A lining of sawdust and clay in the ceiling between the first and second floors continued to smoulder after the major outbreak had been subdued and the firemen were still at the house at 8 p.m.

“The brigade did a wonderful job.” said Mr Wyllie. “I think personally, the boys made a good save and the neighbours also did a good job,” said Mr C. O'Neill, who led the brigade at the fire. The house was insured.