EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 August 1946, Page 9

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE

FIRE IN CHRISTCHURCH THEATRE INTENSE SMOKE AND HEAT (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH. Aug. 8. Working in dense smoke and intense heat, the Centra] Fire Brigade made a good save when fire broke out in the Avon Theatre in Worcester street late this evening. Only the prompt work of the brigade prevented the possible loss of the whole theatre. When the alarm was given at 10.45 p.m. the theatre was closed, the evening performance having concluded shortly before 10.30 p.m. Although the cause of the fire will not be made known until a complete survey is made, its central points appeared to be beneath the stage and above it. Under the direction of Superintendent A. Morrison, two leads of water were put on to the stage, and the fire was confined to that area, although the damage caused by radiated heat was extensive. Damage throughout the auditorium Was extensive. The roof at the stage end of the theatre was burned completely out, and the loud-speaker equipment badly damaged. The curtains about the stage were destroyed, and seats as far as half-way back ’in the auditorium were very badly burned. Further back they were also heavily damaged, the covering cracking and disintegrating at the lightest touch. Woodwork all over the theatre was blistered and burned.