CITY FIRE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 60, 8 September 1937, Page 13

CITY FIRE

A GOOD SAVE

CLOUDS OF SMOKE

A good save was made by the Central Fire Brigade this afternoon, when an outbreak of fire occurred in premises at 31 Willis Street, occupied by F. J. W. Fear and Co., Ltd., radio and electrical dealers.

Shortly before 2 p.m. .the brigade received a call from the shop, and four engines attended at once. The blaze was confined to the rear part of the shop, which is used for packing and storage purposes. Clouds of thick, pungent smoke made the task of the firemen difficult at first, and one man had to be assisted out. Once the seat of the fire was located, however, it was quickly exinguished by means of bucket pumps.

Smoke pouring from the door and the fanlight of the shop quickly attrapted passers-by to the scene, and police, firemen, and .traffic officers had a busy time in keeping the crowd moving. For some time smoke continued to make salvage work difficult.

The shop is a long, narrow one, and the fire apparently started on or about a packing bench in the extreme rear. Mr. Fear, owner of the business, stated to a "Post" reporter that when he smelt smoke, he looked round the partition and saw the whole bench ablaze. Round the bench were packing materials such as paper wool, which were very combustible. He believes thst the fire was caused by a carelessly-flung cigarette or match. Smoking is not permitted in that part of 'the shop.

Damage does not appear to be serious. The bench, wall, and shelving suffered considerably, as did stock stored about the rear of the premises. The main stock, however, is kept in cellars, and would not be affected.

The premises and contents are understood to be "fully covered by insurance. The call was received by the Fire Brigade at 1.52 p,m.