FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVI, Issue 16805, 15 March 1915, Page 5

FIRE AT LYTTELTON.

TWO HOUSES DESTROYED. T'llIIia) BUIUHNG IX DANGER. Shorti# «fU>r 8.30 a.m. yesterday the: Lyttelton I'ire lirigutlo Wilis called out to attend a lire in Governor's Bay Road, West Lyttelton. The brigade answered the call promptly and it was found that tlio six-roomed houso occupied by Mr A. V. Williams was burning fiercely, and that the house next door, tenanted by Mr J. E. A. Thompson, was also in immediate danger. The water supply available in the locality, whilst suitable for household purposes, is inadequate for file fightiug, and os a. consequence, despite- the efforts of the brigade, the fire spread to the adjoining house aud both were destroyed.

The fire commenced in the house occupied by Mr Williams, and it was not until tho flames found their way into his bedroom that he knew there was anything amiss. Mrs Williams then woke up, and both made a hurried exit, escaping with only a few clothes that could be grasped. By this time tho lire had obtained a big hold and on the arrival of the brigade it was found that there was little hope of saving the property. In the meantime Mr Thompson, next door, had removed his family to a place, of safety, whilst many willing hands assisted in removing the furniture on to the road.

The flames then spread to MrThompson's house, which m a short time was also burned to tho ground. All this time the brigade had one lead of hose from the three-inch main playing on the fire, but the lack of pressure nullified the firemen's good work, and after half an hour’s fighting it was found that a third house, occupied by Mr Bridget-Jones, was in danger. To save the building it_ was decided to pull down an adjoining wall on Mr Thompson’s property, and after strenuous efforts this was done, Mr Jones’s house escaping with a scorching. Whilst making his exit from the burning building Mr Williams had his hair singed, and Mrs Williams suffered severely from shock. Mr Williams is a keen volunteer and holds a commission. Quito recently he returned from Samoa, and he intended to proceed to tho front shortly. He lost the whole of his papers and effects, save a few odd articles and apparel. He can assign no cause for the fire. The furniture was insured for £2OO in the State office, but the loss will bo considerably' more than that amount. Mr Thompson had a policy of £2OO on his furniture in the Atlas office.

Both houses. were of six rooms and were owned by Mr A. Jones,' jeweller, of Christchurch. During the time the members of the fire brigade wore endeavouring to deal with tile conflagration their work was handicapped by lack of" water. Tho supply in the locality is served by a. three-inch main from tho iniddlc level, with provision to turn on tho water from the upper level if necessary. Even with both plains in operation theifi was hardly sufficient pressure to throw a jet of water nine feet, and yesterday tho branehmen were compelled to place their fingers over the nozzle to force the water up. It was fortunate that there whs no wind at the time, otherwise the block of five houses would have been demolished. The brigade worked hard and several men were blistered as the result of the heat. In one or two instances helmets were completely ruined. As soon as the fire was subdued the crowd gave the men three cheers.