THEATRE BURNED AS AN EXPERIMENT.

Northland Age, Volume 3, Issue 21, 2 January 1907, Page 5

THEATRE BURNED AS AN EXPERIMENT.

PARIS MANAGERS ARE UNABLE TO FIND A PLAN TO FIGHT FIRES. *

Interesting experiments have been made in Paris with a view of finding the best way of combatting fire in a theatre. A building of iron and mortor in imitation of the average playhouse has been put up. A wooden stage, wooden seats in the auditorium; an ordinary drop curtain, and a fireproof iron curtain were provided.

The doors of the auditorium were opened, all means of ventilation on the stage closed, the drop curtain was lowered, and the stage was sot on fire. In a few seconds the drop curtain was seen to bulge out like a sail in a strong wind. The auditorium, acting Hike a flue, drew all the flames, and in a very short time everything inflammable in the hall was destroyed, while on the stage things were practically unharmed. The contrary method was then tried. Doors were opened on the stage, the auditorium was closed, the drop scene was lowered, and a fire was lit in the auditorium. In a twinkling the curtain bulged in the direction of the stage, the flames spread to the boards, and the scenery was in an instant consumed.

A third experiment proved that, the only chance the spectators had of escape was that the actors should voluntarily accept death. Both curtains were raised, the ventilators on the stage and the doors in the auditorium opened, and a fire was started in the auditorium. The stage acted as a chimney, the flames rushed in, and the actors would have been asphyxiated by the fumes if they were not consumed by the blaze. Of course, it was decided that no theatrical manager could ask such a sacrifice of his company, and other methods will have to be found for insuring the safety of players and spectators aliko in old theatre buildings which have not been rendered fireproof.