FIRE IN HOME

Press, Volume C, Issue 29657, 30 October 1961, Page 12

FIRE IN HOME

Evacuation Of Aged

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. Oct. 29 After an outbreak of fire to Kilmarnock, the Presbyterian home for the aged at Island Bay. just before 11 o'clock this morning, the 88 residents were evacuated quickly without panic. The crews from six fire engines which answered the call had the fire under control in 20 minutes, but not before one fireman, Mr A. Urlich, suffered a wound to the right wrist. He was discharged after hospital treatment. Residents were taken to”a garden at the most distant point from the fire. The average age of the 30 women and eight men in the home is 84 and the oldest resident is 97. The fire began in an upstairs staff bedroom which was left a charred shell. Although the fire was confined to this area, considerable damage was done by water and, to a lesser degree, smoke. Blistered rafters framing the sky were all tost was left of much of toe roof of the staff wing, but the residents’ portion of the home was untouched bv water or smoke damage. Tn the damaged portion of the building water poured down from above into the streamlined kitchen and diningroom which were both completely rebuilt 18 months sio at a eost of £5OOO. Except for four residents, including a blind woman, who could not be moved far. the residents were given Sunday dinner by kindly neighbours. Order was restored in the waterlogged rooms by late afternoon and most of the residents were back in the home tonight. The cause of the fire is not yet known. Regarded as one of the best homes of its type in New Zealand, Kilmarnock ** rv *d as a home for the elderly for the last II years. It is c wooden building, the original part of which is probably at least 7» years old.