Heavy Loss In City Fire

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1949, Page 6

Heavy Loss In City Fire

AUCKLAND, Sat. iSp.»—Thousands of pounds worth of general merchandise were destroyed within an hour lust night when a fierce fire swept the top floor storeroom of a building owned by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., in Fanshawe Street. Eight fire engines were used to fight the blaze which threatened to spread to an adjacent building in Albert Street, but by their concentrated efforts, the firemen were able to confine the fire to the large storeroom which was ablaze from end to end. The first lead was sent through Burns Philp and Company's portion of the building. Fire had broken through to the second floor but it was quickly extinguished. FLAMES LEAP lIIGII Billowing'smoke from the burning storeroom was carried across lower Queen Street and showers of sparks rode high on the steady breeze while flames leapt high into the air through breaks in the roof. The firemen attacked the blaze in the 60-year-old building from all sides. In Albert Street the 100 ft telescopic ladder was used to play a stream of water on the roof in the front of the building. Other leads played covering streams of water on the flames. The hold of the fire was so complete that for about 15 minues it appeared that little headway was being made. There was a grave danger of the flames spreading to Harvey’s building on the southern side and to Burns Philp and Company's premises, but hoses were concentrated on the danger points and the fire came under control. SUBSIDIARY OUTBREAKS In a few places the flames ate through the top floor and started subsidiary outbreaks which were fairly easily dealt with. Salvage sheets were used to minimise water damage to goods stored there. By 10 p.m. the outbreak was well under control. Sbme firemen received first aid treatment for minor injuries and one man was sent to hospital as his eyes were affected by fumes and smoke. He was later discharged. No assessment of the damage could be made last night. Insurances are held by the Union Assurance Society Limited.