FIRE INQUIRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24773, 25 November 1941, Page 9

FIRE INQUIRY

AUCKLAND WAREHOUSE SUBMISSIONS FOR OWNERS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, Nov. 24. The inquiry into the cause of the fire in the John Burns warehouse on the morning of August 19 was opened in the Magistrate's Court building today before the commissioner, Mr F. K. Hunt. There was a large array of counsel representing various interests, also representatives of the Police Department and the Department of Internal Affairs. A statement on behalf of the firm was made by Mr R. M. Reed, counsel for John Burns, Ltd. He said the firm's block consisted of two buildings—that on Commerce and Customs street east being known as the Holdship Building and that on the corner of Fort street and Customs street east being known as Morton Building. Counsel described the fire escape facilities, and said there was a fire alarm system throughout both buildings, also fire hose and a hydrant on each floor level by the main staircase, connected with an adequate water supply. The lift well was faced on the south and west by brick walls, and elsewhere by timber-framed walls. It was subject to the customary inspection. The outer door was solfd wood. After the fire grease was still in the lower guides, showing that the fire had not reached it.

System Disturbed

Mr Reed said that, owing to structural defects, renovations and repairs had been carried out almost continuously under a general permit obtained in 1938. This work disturbed the whole of the electrical system in the area, and an electrician or his representatives were continually in the building. The fire alarm system was also disturbed, and there had occasionally been false fire alarms. The company had complete confidence in the architects, contractors, and sub-con-tractors.

Mr Reed said it had been suggested that the rapid spread of the flames was due to the use of cellulose paint on the walls and ceilings in the renovation work. The architects advised that no cellulose paint was used in any part of the work. The firm could only suggest that old kauri timber, dried and seasoned, must be highly combustible. Cause of Outbreak

After the fire the electrician reported in writing that although one, or possibly two, fuses of the same polarity had blown, it was apparent that the arc between the contacts had been sustained, Mr Reed continued. The electrician reported that this produced terrific heat, destroyed the porcelain of the fuses, and made it possible for circuit wires to ignite other circuit wires behind the switchboard. It was submitted that some responsible authority should insist that all switchboards on a direct current should be encased in fire-resisting material. Had the firm been so forewarned, it would have taken steps to safeguard the property. The restored building was being served by alternating current, and the main switchboard and the distribution switchboards would be installed in brick cubicles. The firm had confidence in the fire-alarm system. It had already taken steps to provides more fire escapes for customers and the staff in the reconstructed building. - A Cleaner's Allegations

Patrick Joseph Delaney. a cleaner, said he opened the premises about 6 o'clock. He noticed nothing unusual. About 8.20, when cleaning on the ground floor, he heard a loud explosion and saw a flash which came from the direction of the switchboard. He went upstairs to get the hose and was told by the late Mr Baker not to use it, because he might be electrocuted. He returned to the ground floor and saw flames blazing by the switchboard. He obtained a ladder and broke a fire alarm in the ceiling. The brigade arrived about 10 minutes after the alarm was given. On arrival, the brigade did not seem to be in any hurry, and the men sat on the engine for about one minute. They did not seem to think it was a real fire, and appeared to hesitate.

To Mr Goldstone (representing the Queensland Insurance Company), witness said that when he saw men sitting on the engine he went to grab the hose, but the firemen took it out of his hand.

Replying to Mr North, witness admitted that he was a little excited. The manager of the firm said that as soon as the fire was reported he advised the brigade, receiving a reply that one engine was on the way. He later asked the brigade to send everything they had. An office boy said that when the brigade arrived the men jumped off the engine and got out their hose very quickly. The inquiry is expected to last for several days.