FIRE IN THE CITY

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 8, 4 October 1919, Page 10

FIRE IN THE CITY

EMPIRE BOX COMPANY'S PREMISES BADLY DAMAGED

RESIDENTIAL AREA SAVED BY FINE WORK

The entire contents of the building occupied by the Empire Box and Printing Company were seriously damaged by fire last evening. Shortly before a quarter to seven the Central Pile Brigade received the call, and on arrival found the large twostoried brick building occupied by the company in flames. Situated near the silo of the old tramway sheds in Adelaide Jioad and surrounded by residential and business blocks, the Are attracted large crowds of spectators. Before the Central Brigade fire fighting 'aff and appliances arrived the fire had good • hold. Being crosely surrounded ■;.v wooden buildings and dwelling houses, much concern was entertained in preventing the. fire spreading, and with tho assistance of the Newtown Fire Brigade and members of the Volunteer Fire Corps, all efforts wsre concentrated on confining the outbreak to the building in which it originated.

_ From the outset it was no easy task, for the flames had gained a good hold of the whole of the upper floor of the northern end of the building, and fanned 'by the fresh nor'-westerly there was every danger of the near-by buildings (premises occupied by the Mantelpiece Manufacturing Company) catching. The alarm was first given by Mr. Brown, of the Defence Department, who was proceeding home, when 'he noticed t|ie flare. The prompt arrival of the ■brigades and the manner in which they undertook their task , undoubtedly saved the residential quarter known as Myrtle Crescent, which is situated near the building. The fire is believed to have started in the office on the first floor of the building, and from there spread to the roof. Huge quantities of paper were completely destroyed, and the roof was eaten through by- "ho flames. The floor itself was not penetrated, and as far as could be ascertained last evening the machinery and fittings on the ground floor were only damaged by water. The damage <ione is considerable, and will probably involve some thousands of pounds, but the definite figures will not be known till this morning. Adjoining the company's premises were those of Messrs. Osmond and Simmonds, cordial manufacturers, and the damage to iheir premises stock was mainly by water. The vehicles belonging to this firm were promptly removed to safety shortly after the fire broke out. Interviewed by a Dominion representative last evening, the manager of Uie company, Mr. G. S. Jackson, stated that he conlcl not account for the outbreak. The premises were lacked up at 5.30 p.m., ami although ho left prior to that hour, he understood that everything was all light. •He was unable to definitely stnto tho insurances on the buildings and contents. but he mentioned that several city offices held risks. Tho brigades were occupied up till 9 p.m. in completely putting down the fire, and at that hour Superintendent Tait reported that the outbreak was practically quelled. Tho police arrangements were under Sergeant M'Lean, of Mount Cook, whose staff ably assisted the fire brigade in quelling the outbreak. Constable Shields, of Mount Cook, who had served previously in a fire brigade, rendered valuable assistance at the outset in fighting the fire.