Water shortage at fire

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32541, 26 February 1971, Page 10

Water shortage at fire

Firemen, hampered by a shortage of water, were still striving at midnight last night to put out a big fire at the New Brighton rubbish dump in Bridge Street, near the Pleasant Point Yacht Club.

Two engines from the New Brighton station were called to the fire about 6 p.m., when flames were confined to a small area. The blaze grew rapidly, and by 7p.m. the flames shooting 50ft into the air—were visible from a mile away. The fire was seated deep in the mound of refuse, and the heavy deluge of rain that fell in the early stages did little to help damp it Faced with a water shortage, the brigade had to use

a tanker to supply the firefighters. The fire attracted many spectators and at one stage the police had to be called to remove cars parked in the access road and dumping area. A Central Fire Station spokesman said at midnight that it was not known what material was burning in the dump to cause such a big blaze. Although the fire was under control it was far from being put out. Relieving fire crews were being called out he said.