PLUCKY FIREMEN

Evening Star, Issue 21285, 14 December 1932, Page 8

PLUCKY FIREMEN

QUELL FLAMES IN GAS PLANT SEAL HAIMS WITH FIRE CLAY [Per, United Press Association.} AUCKLAND, December 14. The fire brigade men took their lives in their hands this , morning when quelling an outbreak in' the Auckland Gas Company’s plant at Devonport. Although an official explanation is lacking, it is understood that a fire was started by a spark accidentally struck off by a workman’s pick in the purifying tank. The flames spread into the exhauster house, which contains the pressure plant and the heads of all the gas mains. The superintendent of the Devonport Brigade, with four of his men, entered the exhauster house, and after quelling the flames, which were consuming all the woodwork in the room, sealed the gas mains with fire clay. ■ . ~ Considerable damage was done, with the result that gas manufacture cannot be resumed meanwhile, and there are only one day’s supply in the gasometer. - However, the company is hopeful of being able to restore the supply very, quickly, and that little inconvenience l will be caused to consumers. High tributes are paid to the courage of the superihtendent and his volunteer firemen. '