FIRE BEHIND THE SCENES

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVIII, 12 March 1914, Page 5

FIRE BEHIND THE SCENES

AUDIENCE UNAWARE OF EIGHT WITH FLAMES DURING THE PERFORMANCE. Fire broke out on the stage of the Empire Theatre, Oldham, at the school house one night last month, and though the Oldham' Fire Brigade were for some time at work the audience were in complete ignorance of any danger. When the theatre closed they learned with great surprise of the fire. The fire occurred in one of the property rooms—a top room at the rear of the building—which was occupied with a considerable quantity of old scenery, theatre bills, and lumber. The fire brigade were quickly on the scene,*but not a moment too soon, the firo having secured a good hold, and threatening to reach the roof. . Entering from behind, the firemen were able to reach the seat 1 of the fire, and with a plentiful supply of water had extinguished the flames in half an hour. , The outbreak was confined to the property room. The theatre is just off Yorkshire Street* the busiest thoroughfare in the town, find crowds of peoplo watched the work of the brigade. Despite this fact, and the ringing of the fire gongs on the fire engines and the hissing of water, the large audience inside were unaware of anything unusual happening- '