OUTBREAK ON THE WHARF

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 56, 8 March 1915, Page 8

OUTBREAK ON THE WHARF

A small fire with tremendous possibilities broke out at the Harbour Board's explosive store this morning. The store is situated at the back of the cheese store, and Usually contains in the aggregate a large quantity of dangerous goods that are in transit and required day by day. How the fire began was not ascertainable, but it was probably due to the corrosion of a tin of phosphorus and the' contact of the contents with the air. The fumes were most difficult for the firemen to work in, but a prompt answer to the call prevented what appeared on the surface to be the makings of a disastrous fire. The building is of brick, as are all the board's buildings in the immediate vicinity, but it contained alcohol, turpentine, gasolene, and steel cylinders of compressed gases. Some of the cases of highly inflammable liquids were glowing and charred when taken out. The phosporus cases were also burned. There was a large quantity of safety cartridges in the building in course of transit. The gas cylinders were got out without difficulty. The extent of the damage is comparatively slight. The fire brigade received, the call at 6.55 a.m. The store was then closed and had remained so since Saturday afternoon. When you see the Fire Brigade rushing along the street, think of the British Dominions General Insurance Company, Panama-street. They cover all losses by fire.— Ad vt.