A BIG LONDON FIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 145, 11 August 1911, Page 6

A BIG LONDON F IRE.

THE CARLTON HOTEL ABLAZE. EXCITING EXPERIENCES. London, August' 10. A fire broke out in the Carlton Hotel, originating in the shaft of the kitchen lift. It quickly enveloped the tlirce upper floors and the roof. Being dinner time, the hotel was crowded with wealthy American and foreign visitors. Many were dressing lor dinner, and some were having baths. They escaped in various stages of attire. A number of servants and guests were cut off from escape, and came to the upper windows and raised cries. They were rescued by ladders, whilst others were lowered by ropes to the adjoining room.

Within half an hour the flames had a great hold on the upper part of tire huge building. Two hundred and fifty firemen, 25 steamers, and a dozen ladders were soon on tire scone. While the firemen were exploring the building and attending to the hoses, the public assisted by removing furniture and luggage, quantities of costly- things being piled up on the pavement.

One charred body was found on the upp &f: floor, and was subsequently identified as Finnin, an American actor.

Firemen were overcome and taken to the hospital. A huge crowd wore attracted, including Mr Winston Churchill (Home Secretary). Some of the spectators To-booed, and cried “What arc you doing here?” It is estimated the damage will run into £30,000. His Majesty’s Theatre nearby was damaged by- water. (Received 11, 10.15 a.m.) London, August 10. Miss Billie Burke, actress, and Herr Dunibury, ex-German' Colonial Secretary, were among those who escaped from the Carlton Hotel.