CITY PETROL STORAGE

Evening Star, Issue 20255, 16 August 1929, Page 13

CITY PETROL STORAGE

LESSONS OF THE BIG FIRE THE EXPERTS' RECOMMENDATIONS FURTHER SAFEGUARDS HEEDED [FroiT'Oto Parluuexxaet Ebporter.l WELLINGTON, August 15 The disastrous petrol store tiro m Christchurch prompted tho Hon. i. A. de la Porrello ' Minister ot Interna Affairs) to have thorough investigation made into its cause, with the object oLdeciding what could be done to prevent a similar happening in the future. The Minister arranged for the superintendents of the fire brigades to meet the Deputy-chief Inspector of Explosives (Mr H. Girling Butcher) in Christchurch while the petrol hr© was still in progress. , At the conference were the present superintendents of the different brigades Superintendents (Christchurch), Creeke _ (Wellington). Nelson (Auckland). Williams (Wanganui), Salmon (Dunedin), and Simpson (Invercargill)—in whose districts most of the largest petrol stores were situated. The superintendents were asked to advise whether, in view ot the Christchurch fire, amendments to the present regulations controlling the storage of dangerous goods were necessary in tho light of the experience gained in tho fighting of the fire. RECOMMENDATIONS OF CONFERENCE.

The Minister has received tho report from the experts, who state that they inspected the ‘ recent petrol, store fire at Christchurch; also the other wholesale petrol stores in that city. We have carefully considered tho circum stances of the fire, and with respect tr the matters referred to in your memorandum, desire to comment as follows: SAFEGUARDS SUGGESTED,

“ (1) We arc of opinion that, when, a plentiful supply of water is available this can, in some cases, be used witn advantage in dealing with a petroi store fire. In. order to minimise the risi of an outflow of burning petrol when water is used we recommend that petrol stores be fitted with a device which will prevent the discharge under control of water, from the base o* the store during a fire, should this be found necessary. Wo also recommeno that the base of all petrol stores be of reinforced concrete, and that, wherever possible, the whole store be of this tvpe of construction. “ (2) With regard to the situation of petrol stores, we consider that tin isolation distances prescribed in the present regulations for unlimited quan tities of petrol are satisfactory tor the storage of quantities not exceeding 5,000 cases (40.000 gallons). Where it is desired to store larger quantities, wo recommend that the store be subdivided into compartments, each con taining not more than 40,000 gallons. The dividing walls should have the same section as the main walls, and not less than Oft Gin roof parapet. The roof should be of asbestos, slates, or similar material, hut not galvanised iron. SOME OF THE DANGERS. “ (3) Wo aro of opinion that the storage of cases and drums m the same store increases both the difficulty and danger of dealing with a petrol fire, and recommend that the regulations be amended to provide for the storage oi drums apart from cases, either in a store of standard construction, oi m an earthen compound, as prescribed in the regulations, but secured against access by unauthorised persons. “ (4) With regard to tlio storage of petrol in city areas, we consider that, in view of tho recent developments in the distribution of petrol in bulk, and subject to restrictions as to the quantity of petrol stored in cases and drums (referred to in paragraph 2 above) petrol depots can be operated in city areas with a, reasonable possibility of protection by fire brigades.” AMENDMENTS TO THE ACT. Mr do la Perrelle stated that it was proposed to prepare amendments to the regulations to provide for the construction of petrol stores in accordance witli these recommendations; also to prohibit the storage of cases and drums in the same store. The question of the limitation of the quantity of petrol to be kept in a store is being given further consideration, as it was thought that the conditions existing in differ ent towns varied so greatly that the matter might be more satisfactorily dealt with by the local authority issuing the license. The Minister added that tho Christchurch fire was of very considerable technical interest, and brigade superintendents, in making their report, had expressed their appreciation of the opportunity offered by the conference of inspecting the fire, and of discussing together tho best method of handling oil fires. “It is interesting to note,” added the Minister, “ that, despite the fact that tho store m question is very much over-stocked, and that cases were stacked right up into the roof of the building, the brigade was able to protect surrounding property, and the only damage was blistering of paint work, and the breaking of a few windows.” This was the first case in New Zealand of a fire involving such large quantities of petrol, in which water had been effectively used to extinguish the fire. It would be noted that provision was being made to safeguard the use of water in case of future fires. “1 propose submitting the features of the whole case to the Government for review and consideration.”