DISASTROUS FIRE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20084, 23 October 1928, Page 6

DISASTROUS FIRE.

PAPER MILLS DESTROYED.

FIGHT AGAINST GREAT ODDS.

AN AWE-INSPIRING SPECTACLE.

ADVENTURE OF WATCHMAN.

[from our own correspondent.] SYDNEY. Oct. 11.

It was one of the most disastrous fires in Sydney in recent years which resulted in tho destruction of tlie Cumberland Paper Mills, on the upper reaches of th« Lane Gove River, which flows into Sydney Harbour. The fire broke out early last Sunday afternoon at the height of one of tho worst gales ever experienced in the metropolitan area, arid such a widespread inferno has seldom been seen in Australia.

It was an awe-inspiring spectaclo to sea tho great flames licking the 80ft. high chimney stack, while the fire lighters were almost helpless. Down the little valley where the mill is situated great heaps of paper danced to destruction, and woro fantastically carried in tho gale down tho river and. high into the nir, threatening tho whole of the surrounding bush. Leaning embers set alight to the scrub, and there was a wild crackle when the bush eventually caught on fire. People ran lo their homes to protect them. The few hydrants around the mill could supply only a trickle of water, and because of surrounding fires the brigade could not reach the scene. An endeavour was made to send a firo engine from the city by way of a punt, but it was found that the tides were too low to permit of this being done.

At one time, besides the mil], sixty acres of bush lands were aflame, scorching the surrounding houses. The mill itself occupied twenty acres, and quickly became a blazing furnace. Intermittent explosions shook the whole district. The whole area was covered with thick smoke, and as no smoke helmets were available the fire brigadesmen were practically helpless, and had to confine their efforts to the different danger zones, notably the oil store, which contained large quantities of sulphuric acid, besides an enormous quantity of various oils.

In the midst of the excitement, someone discovered that the watchman was

missing: A search was undertaken, and at the risk of their lives several men entered tho burning building. Iu the office they found the watchman engaged in the hopeless task of protecting the records. Almost dazed he was swinging a bucket, and although he insisted that ho must save the office, he was dragged atvajr to safety. In a near-by scrub two other men battled for their lives. They jumped into » creek, but the flames followed them and scorched their bodies. With water-soaked bodies and blistered feet they tried to drag themselves to safety, and with a wonderful display of grit and determination they reached their objective. The fire started about 12.30 p.m. At that timo the chief engineer was working with a gang of 12 close - to the mills. All at once the wind reached hurricane force and the flames, forming a burning rubbish heap, jumped to one of four 90-ton punts laden with paper. The paper at once caught alight, and the gang of men endeavoured to move the punt further into tho stream. But the wind beat them. Soon the other three punts were alight. The wind, which was driving in the direction of the mill, carried the flames to tho office. This was soon ablaze, and within an hour tho whole of the mill was an inferno.