FIRE IN CITY CAFE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23230, 27 December 1938, Page 8

FIRE IN CITY CAFE

FAT IGNITES ON STOVE BLAZE SOON CONTROLLED QUICK WORK BY BRIGADESMEN [by telegraph —PRESS association] WELLINGTON, Monday Quick work by firemen prevented more serious damage being done in the Cafe Royal, in Lambton Quay, when n fire broke out in the kitchen at the rear of the cafe late on Saturday afternoon. The woodwork above the range and around the chimney was blazing fiercely and flames v were leaping through a broken skylight in the ceiling when brigadesmen fron\ the Central Fire Station arrived two minutes after the alarm was given.

Leaving half-finished meals on their tables, patrons hurriedly left the cafe as the firemen rushed two hoses and chemical extinguishers to tho rear of the building. Less than 10 minutes after going into action the brigadesmen had the flames under control. A curious crowd, consisting chiefly of telegraph boys, quickly gathered about the door of tho cafe, and two police constables were fully employed keeping the entrance clear. Inside the floor was covered by about half an inch of water, and at the rear of the building stock was extensively damaged by smoke and water, a number of dishes that had been waiting to be served being covered in black smuts and soot.

The fir? started during the afternoon, when fat ignited on a stove near the chimney. The proprietor of the cafe threw a bucket of water over the fire, and, as he thought, put it out. Unnoticed, however, sparks got behind the chimney and the fire gained a firm hold before it was discovered. The building was not insured.