FIRE AT DEVONPORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18965, 12 March 1925, Page 8

FIRE AT DEVONPORT.

- APARTMENT HOUSE BURNED. BRIGADE'S HOPELESS TASK. A 12-roomed apartment house, on the corner of Victoria Road and Kerr Street, Devonport, was gutted by fire shortly before three o'clock yesterday morning. The building, of two storeys, was divided into three flats, one of which was occupied by the lessee, Mr. 0. Sorenson. The outbreak originated in a passage, and the Devonport. Brigade arrived to find the building well alight. A steady breeze fanned the flames, which swept through the premises, in spite of the use of six leads of hose. Attention was diverted to saving tho adjoining houses when it was seen the fire, would inevitably ruin the apartment house. An adjoining dwelling, occupied by Mr, ,T. Martin, was subjected to continual scorching and intense heat from the flames, and its escape from destruction was due partly to the employment, of a sprinkler attachment which Mr. Martin had recently fitted to tho walls. The apparatus maintained a continuous spray, which was augmented by tho hoses. Damage to .Mr. Martin's house was confined to the wall and the interior fittings of one room. It was covered by insurance. The apartment house was a total loss. It is believed to be insured. Mr. Sorenson's effects were insured for £4OO in the Commercial Union Company.