FIRE IN VICTORIA STREET

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 71, 17 December 1937, Page 12

FIRE IN VICTORIA STREET

Warehouse Damaged Extensive damage was done to stock and fittings at the warehouse of G. W. Dowling, Ltd., fine art dealers and manufacturers’ representatives, Victoria Street, Wellington, by a fire which broke out on the third floor of Vickery’s building at 5.18 last night. Four brigades from the central fire station and ona from the Thorndon station attended the outbreak, and though the flames had a good hold when they arrived, the firemen ran out a lead of hose and the outbreak was quickly suppressed. The arrival of the engines attracted a great deal of attention, and sightseers saw flames and smoke break through tlie windows on the third story and pour out of the building. So dense was the smoke that at times the firemen were forced to use respirators. Although last night it had not been discovered what caused the outbreak,the flames apparently commenced on a wooden bench, near which was stored a quantity of shellac and paint. They secured a good hold, and the bench and the neighbouring wall was well alight before tlie alarm was given. Practically all the stock of Dowlings. Ltd., was damaged by smoke and water, and the woodwork of the building was badly burned and charred. Very slight damage by water was done on the second floor, - which is occupied by the Vickery Electrical Company, and a small amount of water found its way through to the grour 1 floor.