WOOL CARGO AFIRE

Evening Star, Issue 21013, 29 January 1932, Page 9

WOOL CARGO AFIRE

♦- HASTY DISCHARGE PROCEEDING C. AND D. LINER PORT FREMANTLE [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, January 29. - Fire broke out last night in the wool cargo of the Commonwealth and Dominion Line’s motor ship Port Fremantle at tho King’s wharf. Indications of the trouble were observed shortly before the ship left Wanganui roadstead early yesterday afternoon, and the heat and smoke coming from the hold as she neared _ WellTington caused the master to radio a request that the vessel be berthed immediately on arrival to enable a start to be made at once to discharge the cargo. The vessel arrived in port shortly before 10, and tho harbourmaster at once berthed her. The watersiders, with the assistance of two wharf cranes, started to discharge the wool, svhich almost completely filled No. 5 hold. The heat became more intense as the unloading continued, and after some 200 bales had been discharged the men had to quit the hold. Smoke now came away in great volume, and very soon, due to tho free circulation of air in the hatchway, fire actuallly broke out shorty before midnight. Hoses had been in readiness since her arrival; and the brigade was summoned. The flames had been checked by the time the latter arrived, but the firemen donned their smoke helmets, and entered the hold to endeavour to ascertain the actual seat of the outbreak. Water was stiff being poured in at an early hour this morning, and tho work of discharging the wool resumed. It was noticeable that the packs of many bales were charred. The Port Fremantle recently loaded at Nelson. New Plymouth, Napier, and Wanganui. The cargo shipped included frozen meat, tallow, about 19,500 boxes of butter, and 9,760 crates "of cheese, as well as a_ large quantity of wool shipped at Napier and Wanganui. The cause of the fire is believed to be spontaneous combustion, which has been responsible for many similar outbreaks on various ships. UNDER CONTROL. Smoke was still issuing from the Port Fremantle this morning in fair volume, but the fire appears to be definitely under control. The ship has a considerable list to starboard towards the wharf, and several holes have been cut in her side to allow water to escape; also holes in the deck to admit water for the firemen working below in smoke helmets. ONLY ONE HOLD AFFECTED. The Port Fremantle fire appears to have been confined entirely to No. 5 hold, which contained 2,500 bales of wool, some casks of tallow, a small quantity of milk powder, and casein Approximately 300 bales of wool were on consignment, the rest had been bought at the sales. In addition to having to clear No. 5 hold, which was flooded, it will be necessary to remove a good deal of wool on the shelter deck. The ship suffered very little structural damage. Much of the water pumped in has escaped through holes cut in the side, and the vessel has now righted herself. Some oi the plates are bulged. Fire amongst the wool was first suspected when loading was in progress at Wanganui on Tuesday, and all the ventilators were then closed. It had been expected to finish loading that night, but bad weather came up, and the ship had to go into tho roadstead. Loading was resumed next day, and tho ship finally left for Wellington. Minor repairs will be made in Wellington, but the permanent repairs in Loudon. The fire is practically under control.