Sprinklers save hotel

Press, 5 August 1981, Page 1

Sprinklers save hotel

A "great part” of the United Service Hotel could have burnt down last evening if it had not been for the sprinkler system, said a Fire Service spokesman.

Fire-safety officers late last evening were still investigating the fire, which, witnesses said, started in a service alley on the third floor..

“They (the management) won't regret putting the sprinklers in." said the spokesman. Had the hotel not complied with fire-safety regulations, with the installation of the first of the sprinklers last October, its licence could have been revoked. The sprinklers that extinguished last evening’s fire had been in place for only four weeks, according to the company which installed them.

The fire began about 8.20 p.m. Two fire engines attended. and about 60 guests and staff were moved out while firemen checked the building.

“1 was sitting in my room watching television when I heard a bang,” said a guest, Mr Alastair Gillespie, of Wellington. He saw smoke and water creeping into the hall, but was able to leave his third-floor room by the stairs.

Two chefs stood outside the evacuated building, but no meals risked burning because the ovens, and other power, had been turned off. The foyer lights were turned on again at 8.37 p.m. Two Australian guests were determined to enjoy their dinner, fire or not.

Mr Russell Gilroy, aged 27, and Mr Robert Lidsey, aged 29, both of Sydney, calmlycarried their meals, wine, and two glasses, into Cathedral Square. They set up table on one of the plant troughs. "It was fillet mignon,” they said. “It got a little cold towards the end, but the wine was good.” Raising their glasses, they continued watching the firemen.