Fire Guts House Of Bryndwr Family

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31089, 18 June 1966, Page 16

Fire Guts House Of Bryndwr Family

Mr and Mrs J. W. Westbury, of 39 Hollyford avenue, Bryndwr, had their State house gutted by fire shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday.

Four of their young children were at school. Mr and Mrs Westbury and their youngest child, Graham Charles, aged three, escaped without injury. The front of the house was practically destroyed, fire going through the roof and gutting the rooms. St. Albans and Headquarters firemen on two engines, called at 9.18 a.m. prevented the fire from getting into the two back bedrooms, which were blackened with smoke and suffered water damage. A refrigerator, washing machine, television set, table and chairs, lounge suite, and other household goods were ruined. The firemen saved some bedding and clothing. Began In Kitchen The fire began in the kitchen when heat from a heater ignited a jar of kerosene causing it to explode. Mr Westbury, who works on night shift, was in bed.

A neighbour, Mrs E. McGregor, confined to bed, first noticed smoke pouring from the Westbury house. Another neighbour, Mrs J. Savage, who was with Mrs McGregor, roused the Westburys by rapping on their bedroom windown. Mr Westbury found the kerosene heater blazing and flames going up the kitchen wall. He tried to douse the fire in the heater by wrapping it in a mat. but the flames beat him back. He rushed through to the back bedroom and carried his youngest son to safety. He then helped his wife to escape. Temporary Home Mrs Westbury said last evening that the family had been promised a temporary State house, and would move in on Monday. The family had been assisted by neighbours and churches in the district.

“People have been wonderful. We have some lovely clothes for the children. The Papanui Rotary Club has offered to help. We were covered by fire insurance,” Mrs Westbury said. The family is staying with Mr and Mrs P. H. Gibbons, of 60 Hollyford avenue.