DUNEDIN FIRE

Grey River Argus, 7 September 1939, Page 3

DUNEDIN FIRE

AT TODD MOTORS. DUNEDIN, September 5. Exceptionally quick work by the city fire brigade early this morning saved the premises of Todd Motors in Princes street south and more than 30 cars which were in the showrooms. As it was, eight cars and a motor-cycle were damaged, some through the effects of the flames and others through smoke and falling timber. The damage to stock is estimated at £3OO, while the roof of the used car showroom and a small part of the flooring were destroyed. Aj policeman on beat duty heard the crackling of the flames and gave the alarm. Served by a splendid pressure of water, the brigade was able to cheek the spread of the flames, even tnough they enveloped a large’ part of the rear of the second storey. The roof was broken through in several places and about 40 square feet of flooring burnt. The walls of plastered brick confined the damage to a relatively small area.

No cause for the fire could be given, but* it is surmised that it was started by a lighted cigarette or a match or spontaneous combustion in the car polish stores.