EIRE AT STAR OFFICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18075, 25 October 1920, Page 4

EIRE AT STAR OFFICE

OUTBREAK IN UPPER STOREY. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE DONE. A sudden and serious outbreak of fiiti occurred in the upper storey of the Star Office just before noon on Saturday, and much damage was done, chiefly by water, before it was got under by the City and South Dunedin Brigades. The outbreak S coourred in the process block-making room, . which is situated just above the stereotyping room on the third floor, and which contained a quantity of photographic material. There was no one using tha room, and at present no satisfactory explanation can be given of how it originated or of how it obtained such a powerful hold before it was discovered. A thorough investigation of the damaged premises yet to be made by tho brigade authorities may servo to clear the matter up. The alarm was given at 11.58 a.m., and the whole plant of the brigade was quickly brought into action, including the high electric extension ladder, which was used at the back of the building in Crawford street. Three leads of hose were employed, two being taken in the front door and up the winding stairs, and tho other used from tho extension ladder on the roof. Superintendent Napier and Deputysuperintendent Salmon wers both present, and fully realised tho seriousness of the outbreak. When the brigade arrived the flames were shooting high above the roof, and could bo seen a long way off. In about a quarter of an hour, after a Btrenuous fight, the firemen had t.lio [lames under control. To do this it was necessary to use a largo quantity of water, and it was this that caused most of the damage. Fortunately, the machinery has practically escaped, but largo stocks of paper have been damaged. It was at .first thought that ( he issuo of tho city edition of the Star would bo lropardiscd, but strenuous efforts wero mada bv all hands in clearing up, _ and. although a little late, the paper wa3 issued as usual to its many readers. When it was seen that the stereo plant might not lie available tho Otago Daily Times Company offered assistance, and made arrangements to have their storeotypors on duty. , The insurances on the property are distributed among most of the offices. OTHER ITRES. A fire broke out on Saturday moraine in tns workshop of Mr Herbert Anscombc°, plumber, at 32 Baker street, Caversham. Mr Anscombe had been boiling some tar on a gas-ring in the workshop at tho back of his residence, and during his temporary absence at 8.30 a.m. the tar caught fire. The Sruth Dunedin and Citv Brigades wero raJled out. and soon dealt- "with* the blaze There ,s an insurance of £150 on the building, and of £125 on the contents in tho Smith British office, but tho damage to tho contents amounts to onlv a few pounds The brigade was called out again at 6 47 l-sfc nifr'it to Dalmore. where a padclock of cut manuka scrub, which had boon left to dry, had been set on fire by boys Jvn damagt: was done.