BIG FIRE AT PETONE.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1209, 18 August 1911, Page 8

BIG FIRE AT PETONE.

Early yesterday morning an alarm of fire was given at the Petone fire station, whilst others were given from Cuba Street, and Adelaido Street. Immediately the alarm was received by Superintendent Lepper ho noticed that the _ indicator showed that the fire was in No. 1 area. The hand-reel was run out, as the tire was understood lo be within the vicinity, and it was not until Richmond Street was reached that it was discovered that th'e outbreak was .somo distance off. Wlien tho brigade reached the scene they found that on account of the nearest water-plug being in Patrick Street, tho lioso (2000 feet) was insufficient, and moro lengths had to be procured from tho fire station. By this time two six-roomed houses, ono owned and occupied by 'Mr. Martin Lee, and another'(empty) the property of Mr. George I.te, were beyond saving, whilst yet another six-roomed house, occupied by Mr; Bowater and owned by Sir. George Lee, was well alight. To prevent a house at the rear igniting the brigade centralised their efforts and were successful in saving a building, which was only fi few feet distant from Mr. Bowater's residence.

Mr. William Lee, in whose house tie fire started, was awakened by something falling, and considers himself fortunate in. escaping as the houso was one mass of flames by the time ho and his child reached thestreet. Mr. Lee, who lost everything, had an insurance on his honse amounting to .£275 in the South British office and JCISO ou his furniture in tho Queensland office.

Mr. BoWater was more fortunate, as he had time to remove the major portion of his furniture l>eforo the house was destroyed. Mr. Bowater considers his loss amounts to about .£3O, his furniture beiug valued at ,£'2oo, over which tho Atlas Insurance Co. hold a cover for .£IOO.

Mr. George Lee's houses wero insured for £2"! i each in the Atlas office.

Under the circumstances tho brigade worked exceedingly well, but there is no question that had sufficient length of hoso been available, Mr. Bowater's residence could liaje been saved.