FIRE ON SHIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 April 1945, Page 6

FIRE ON SHIP

NO STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

DUNEDIN, April 27

Shortly after 3 o'clock this afternoon thick columns 'of smoke began to rise from No. 3 hold of the Union Steam Ship Company’s coastal vessel Waipiata which was unloading at Victoria wharf. A call was sent to the Central Fire Brigade and four engines, with salvage gear and special equipment, were dispatched. When the brigade arrived smoke was issuing- from the escape hatch, bijt the outbreak was well in hand within 40 minutes. It was impossible, up to a late hour tonight, to obtain a it' estimate of the extent of the damage to the cargo. It was established, however, that there was no structural damage to the vessel itself, and most of the damage to the cargo was caused by water. The cargo in No. 3 hold consisted mainly of bales of paper, and it is thought that one of these may have caught fire after a welding operation in the hold. Immediately the fire was discovered the hatches were closed but it was evident that the fire had gained a fairly strong hold. The brigade’s powerful pump was held in readiness but was not required. Special equipment for dealing with fires on ships was requisitioned. This, together with a lead from the city water sunply, soon had the fire under complete control.