SHIP’S OIL FUEL ON FIRE

Southland Times, Issue 24353, 6 February 1941, Page 6

SHIP’S OIL FUEL ON FIRE

OUTBREAK WHILE AT WHARF GALLANTRY OF OFFICER PRAISED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 5. Suffocating smoke from burning oil fuel on a steamer berthed at Wellington brought several fire engines to the spot. An attempt was made to smother the flames with a foam extinguisher, but the fire was deep seated and little sign of slackening led to more drastic methods being adopted. Three of the most powerful motor pumps at the brigade’s disposal were backed against the edge of the wharf, hoses dropped into the harbour and seven leads taken aboard the ship. The Toia, the Harbour Board’s tug, which is fully equipped for fire quelling, also took a hand. After the fire had been partly subdued a squad of naval reservists was put to work carrying cans of powder for chemical extinguishing and in this manner a final assault was made. No flames were apparent at any stage. The fire was put out after two hours. Alhough no flames were seen at any stage from the wharf, the thick pungent smoke which rose above the ship’s masts was a beacon which drew many sightseers although the scene was well away from the heart of the city. Oxygen apparatus was used by the firemen, especially in the early stages of the outbreak and an ambulance stood by. Two brigadesmen were treated for effects of the smoke, but neither was sufficiently affected to require his removal to hospital. The fire brigade officers later expressed appreciation of the gallant efforts of one of the ship’s officers who, though he had been burned about the shoulders, carried on near the seat of the fire with his work of assisting the brigadesmen.