FIGHT WITH FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22488, 4 August 1936, Page 6

FIGHT WITH FIRE

,TOWNSSS .THREATENED SEVERAL SHOPS BURNED BUCKET BRIGADE'S HARD TOIL ["from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, July 27 Townspe-ople of Woodburn, near Ballina, fought for more than four hours early last Thfirsday morning to save the township from destruction by fire. The heat was so tierce that many of them became exhausted, and for a time it seemed that the township would be viped out. The flames were quelled only after residents of other townships had responded to a call for aid. Four shops were gutted, and three others were badly damaged. The fire started about 1.30 a.m., in Baker's garage. The flames • spread swiftly, and shortly afterward two adjacent buildings were ablaze. Residents were able to save a motor car from the garage, but had to leave several motor cycles and a quantity of stock. A large petrol tank below the shop, in which a quantity ot petrol was stored, resisted the flames. A bucket brigade carried water troni the Richmond lUver. In spite ot these efforts, tne nre spread to Mr. &. Kelly's news agency. A slight breeze carried the flames into an unoccupied shop owned by Mr. H. Lakis, of Lismore. This was" quickly destroyed. Then .>lr. J. Slade's watchmaking premises, Mr. P. Cooler's refreshment room, Miss E. Smith's hairdressing shop, and Mrs. Webb's fancy goods shop caught fire. From here the flames swept across a vacant allotment, and set fire to the chemist's shop of Mr. C. J. McCulloch. and the general store of Mr. E. Redwood. More than 50 men worked in the . bucket brigade, but the heat was so fierce th.?t thev could not get close to the flames. Occupants of the shops, which were threatened worked frantically to remove their contents. The street was soon piled with goods of all kinds. There was a desperate fight to save the Empire Hotel. Furniture and other goods in the building were hastily taken out into the street. At one time it seemed almost certain that *he building would be destroyed, but the firemen were able to prevent the flames from gaining a hold. The ' arrival of the Coraki Fire Brigade about 3 a.m. relieved the strain on the bucket brigade, but the fire was not checked until dawn, and hours later the ruined shops were still smouldering. No one was seriously injured, but a number of firefighters were treated for blistered faces and hands.