Further Details

Grey River Argus, 6 February 1941, Page 9

Further Details

SHIP’S OIL FUEL AFIRE. WELLINGTON, February 5. The ship on which the fire occurred to-day was a steamer that was berthed. There was suffocating smoke coming from burning oil fuel on the steamer, and the lire brought several fire engines to the spot. An attempt was made to smother the flames with a foam extinguisher but the fire was deep seated, and there was little sign of its slackening. This led to more drastic methods being adopted. Three of the most powerful motor pumps at the Brigade’s disposal were backed against the edge of the wharf, hoses were dropped into the harbour and seven leads were taken .aboard the ship. The “Toia,” the Harbour Board’s tug, which is fully equipped for lire quelling, also took p hand. After th e fire had partly been subdued, a squad of naval reservists were put to work carrying can s of powder for chemical extinguishing, and in this manner a final assault was made. No flames were apparent at any stage. Th e fire was put. out after two hours. I