AUCKLAND FIRE INQUIRY

Southland Times, Issue 24601, 25 November 1941, Page 6

AUCKLAND FIRE INQUIRY

DESTRUCTION ’ OF BIG BUILDING

SUGGESTED CAUSE OF RAPID SPREAD

(P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 24. The inquiry into the cause of the fire at the warehouse of John Burns Ltd. on the morning of August 19 was opened in the Magistrate’s Court building before the commissioner, Mr F. K. Hunt. There was a large array of counsel representing various interests and also representatives of the police and the Internal Affairs Department. A statement on behalf of the firm was made by Mr R. M. Reed, counsel for John Burns. He said their block consisted of two buildings, that on Commerce and Customs street east being known as the Holship Building and that on . the corner of Fort Street Lane and Customs street east being known as the Morton Building. Counsel described the fire escape facilities and said there was a fire alarm system throughout both buildings, also a fire hose and hydrant on each floor level by the main staircase and connected with an adequate water supply. The lift well was faced on the south and the west by brick walls and elsewhere by timber framed walls. It was subject to customary inspection. EFFECT OF REPAIR WORK Mr Reed said that because of 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 representative was 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-contractors. Mr Reed said he could obtain no evidence of an inspection having been carried out by the fire brigade. Mr A. K. North (representing the Auckland Fire Board): How long would that be? Mr Reed: For the last seven years. Mr North: I have a report showing that Mr Brash, an employee of the firm, interviewed the fire brigade in November 1940. The commissioner: We will get that in the course of the examination. 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 ceiling in renovation work. The architects advised that no cellulose paint should be used in any part of the work. The firm could only suggest that old kauri timber dried and seasoned must be highly combustible. After the fire an 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. The electrician reported that this produced terrific heat, destroyed the porcelain of the fuses and made it possible for the circuit wires to ignite other circuit wires behind the switchboard. i SWITCHBOARDS IN CUBICLES I It was submitted that some responsible authority should insist that all switchboards on direct current should be encased in fire-resisting material, said Mr Reed. Had the firm been so forewarned it would have taken steps to safeguard its property. The restored building was being served with alternating current and the main switchboard and distribution switchboards would be installed in brick cubicles. The firm had confidence in the fire alarm system. It had already taken steps to provide more fire escapes for customers and the staff in the reconstruction of the building. After an adjournment for an inspection of the premises, Mr Reed corrected a statement that there had been no casual or periodic inspection by the j Fire Board. He was now informed by Mr Brash that twice since 1934 the brigade had made an inspection. Patrick Joseph Delaney, cleaner, said he opened the premises about 6 o’clock and 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 a hose and was told by the late Mr Baker not to use it because he might be electrocuted. FLAMES NEAR SWITCHBOARD The witness said he returned to the ground floor and saw flames blazing byUie switchboard. He obtained a ladder and broke the fire alarm in the ceiling. The brigade arrived about ten minutes after the alarm was given. On its arrival the brigade did not seem to be in any hurry and sat on the engine for about one minute. It did not seem to think it was a real fire and appeared to hesitate. There were eight or 10 firemen. The brigade ladder would not reach the top floor.

To Mr Goldstine, representing the Queensland Insurance Company, the witness said that when he saw the men sitting on the engine he went to grab

a hose, but the firemen took it out of his hand.

Replying to Mr North, the witness admitted he was a little excited. Several witnesses were heard during the day. 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. The 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.