FIRE IN TIMBER YARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21160, 18 April 1932, Page 8

FIRE IN TIMBER YARD.

VALUABLE PROPERTY SAVED.

INVESTIGATION OF CAUSE. Officers of the Central Fire Brigade will inquire to-day into the circumstances of a fire which occurred in timber yards in Fanshawe Street, Freeman's Bay, on Saturday evening. The outbreak was discovered at 8.15 at the back of a large stack of sap kauri planks, about 13ft. in height, in the yards of the Kauri Timber Company, Limited. Serious damage was prevented only by the early discovery of the fire by the watchman, Mr. J. Wright, and the absence of wind. The value of the timber in the yards of several firms in Fanshawe Street, and buildings and plant in the extensive industrial area, amounts to many thousands of pounds. Mr. Wright was making a routine inspection when he noticed a glare in stacks of wood some 60 yards from Fanshawe Street. lie gave the alarm, and then proceeded (o play a hose on the burning timber. The hose burst while he was using it, but two engines from the Central fetation in Pitt, Street speedily arrived, th-j flames being subdued in a few minutes before extensive damage occurred. It is not considered probable that the outbreak was due to spontaneous combus' tion. The fire commenced 011 the outside of the stack and was spreading quickly over the pile of timber when the firemen arrived. Superintendent W. I;. Wilson, of the Central station, stated last evening that an investigation would bo made, although it was to be understood that no proof of malicious intent had been found. KARANGAHAPE ROAD OUTBREAK. SLIGHT DAMAGE TO SHOP. An outbreak of fire occurred in the shop of Mr. G. Green, furrier, of 99, Karangaliape Road, at 4.15 p.m. yesterday. The city fire brigade was able to extinguish the flames before serious damago was done to tho building or stork. The property, which consists of a shop and eightroomed liouso attached, belongs to the Maude Brothers Estate.