THREE HOUSES ON FIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22020, 1 August 1933, Page 8

THREE HOUSES ON FIRE

FLAMES FANNED BY WIND WOMEN INJURED IN ESCAPING (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 31. At the height of the north-easterly gale which raged throughout the weekend, a serious fire broke out in Devonport at about 12.30 this morning. Three adjoining houses, chiefly, were affected, two being destroyed and one gutted; but a block of seven houses and also dwellings on the opposite eide, were threatened, and were saved only by the efforts of the fire brigade. In escaping from the upper storey of a block of flats, three women were slightly injured, and were taken to hospital. They were: Mrs Mary Cameron and her daughter, Hope Cameron, and Mrs Jess Carter (Mrs Cameron's sister). The Camerons recently arrived from Dunedin, and Mrs Carter from Hastings. One suffered an injured back and the others were slightly burned, while all are suffering from shock. Their condition is not serious. A fireman named Worthington had his hand burned, but was not taken to the hospital. The fire was observed from the naval training ship Philomel, which sent a detachment of men who did valuable work in preventing the spread of the flames and patrolling the area. The electric power line fell on the pavement in front of the burning houses and the firemen received numerous minor shocks. The major power line was quickly isolated. The houses were owned by Miss Ada Wharfe, Mr H. S. Bates and Mrs M. Moore. Mr Bates's house was unoccupied. The wind swept sheets of flame, clouds of smoke and red-hot sparks across the street, and though water was constantly played on the houses the walls were scorched and charred. At the brigade's direction the occupants of the houses next to the three which were destroyed vacated them. It is believed that the three women received injuries through falling from /a fire escape. OUTBREAK AT RELIEF CAMP (Per United Press Association.) STRATFORD, July 31. f A building comprising a kitchen and store room at the Kohuratahi relief camp was destroyed by fire at 1 a.m. yesterday. An attempt made to save the building was fruitless as there was an insufficient supply of water. It is not known how the blaze originated, everything appearing safe when the cook left on Saturday night. When the outbreak was discovered the flames had a good hold and the structure was soon reduced to ashes. The supplies stored in the building were saved. Until arrangements have been made the men must cook their own food in the huts. '■' ■ HOMESTEAD DESTROYED (Per United Press Association.) PAHIATUA, July 31.' A fire at Pori destroyed the 12-roomed homestead and contents of Mr R. E. Nelson. The insurance was £1550. Only an elderly employee was at home at the time.