The Press THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1961. Trotting-Grounds Fire

Press, Volume C, Issue 29672, 16 November 1961, Page 14

The Press THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1961. Trotting-Grounds Fire

Although the fire that burnt eut the main grandstand at Addington was luckily not attended by loss of life complacency would be unjustified. Both on the day of the fire and on the preceding Tuesday (New Zeeland Trotting Cup day) there could have been a calamity if there had been • fire scare during the running of a race, with the grandstand packed and—as is the rule rather than the exception on big days at Addington—the gangways blocked by spectators. It is unfortunate that a public inquiry will not be held into the circumstances of this fire. Responsibility for the safety of people and property at such places is not borne exclusively by the Fire Board. An independent inquiry that comprehended every potential hazard and every factor bearing on the prevention and fighting of such a fire could scarcely fail to provide useful lessons for both the authorities and the public. Dissatisfaction with the water supply available at the trotting course (and at the showgrounds) during Show Week was expressed by the chief fire officer (Mr L. R. Osmond) at a meeting of the Christchurch Metropolitan Fire Board. This is a matter of great concern to the people of Christchurch and their many visitors during Show Week; and an improvement should be sought. The adequacy of the fire-fighting services at the trotting course and the show-

grounds obviously needs examination. Could hoses and hydrants in the burntout stand have been used on an incipient fire? Is the brigade satisfied that too much reliance might not be put upon a sprinkler system in the circumstances of an open grandstand? The safety of the public requires adequate means of egress from stands; and a few years ago the Fire Board notified the Victory Park Board that it required the aisles in the stands at Lancaster Park to be kept clear because “in the event of a panic " or a rush there could have “ been chaos ", Does the Fire Board tolerate congested gangways in the stands at the trotting course? Preliminary comments by Mr Osmond suggest that the fire sharply emphasised the warnings given from time to time by Mr T. A. Varley, chief fire officer to the Fire Service Council, of the need to consider the most modern practices on fire protection in drafting by-laws and in actual building. From Mr Osmond’s description, the Addington grandstand was doomed by the nature of its construction once the fire had taken hold. Can this hazard in similar structures be reduced? If only the Fire Board is to inquire into the fire, the' board must ensure that its inquiries are as comprehensive as possible, that every lesson is sought, and that the board’s findings are published as soon as possible.