DUNEDIN FIRE

Hokitika Guardian, 9 June 1930, Page 1

DUNEDIN FIRE

PEOPLE ESCAPE BY WINDOW.

;By Telegraph--Per Press Association.)

DUNEDIN, June 8

Two persons experienced some difficulty in escaping from a building which caught fire in Castle Street this morning. *■

The outbreak was discovered by Miss Clark, who is employed by Air J. H. At if low at the premises. She gave the alarm,. but she found that the flames had spread to the stairway, and she was hemmed in the upper portion of the building. The young,lady then managed to reach one of the front windows, from which she dropped about 14 feet, being caught in the arms of a man, who was passing the building. One of the male employees of AT.illow made an effort to extinguish the fire, hut he also found himself trapped by the flames. He succeeded in escaping through the same window as that which gave Miss Clark her 'opportunity to get clear. He was rescued by several men with a ladder. The city brigade received the call at 10.35 a.m. It was found that the flames had a strong hold, and the building, which is owned by the Aldred Estate, was badly damaged ,by fire and smoke, while the stock also suffered severe damage. Three motorears, stored in the main shop, escaped damage. These cars were covered with tarpaulins. The building was used as a motor painting and upholstery shop, and the outbreak occurred at the rear of the p remises. The building is insured wit h the Eagle, Star, and Dominion offices, but the amount is not obtainable.