LOSSES IN FIRE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29609, 4 September 1961, Page 14

LOSSES IN FIRE

Grader, Car, Tools (N.Z. Press Association) WHANGAREI, Sept. 3. A grader, a small car. workshop equipment and tools were destroyed by fire which on Saturday night razed the Moerewt depot of the Bay of Islands County Council. The loss was appreciable. but details were not available. The council lost the grader, tools and some workshop equipment as well as the building which was fully insured. The. car belonged to the county mechanic, Mr R Beaver, and it too was insured. The Kawakawa Fire Brigade received a call to the fire about 7.15 p.m., but found on arrival that the blaze had a strong hold on the iron over timber frames of the building. Oil drums exploded and an acetylene gas bottle blew tip, pieces flying about and miraculously missing the big crowd. One fireman was burnt about the face when an oil drum exploded near him, but his injuries were not serious.

Three vehicles owned by the council, including one new utility truck, were driven clear by the county overseer, Mr J. Richards, who was first on the scene and sounded the alarm. About 8.30 the blaze was under control and the firemen worked on salvaging operations until about 1 a.m.