A BIG LONDON FIRE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 146, 12 August 1911, Page 6

A BIG LONDON FIRE.

THE CARLTON HOTEL ABLAZE. EXCITING EXPERIENCES. London, August ,10. A fire broke out in the Carlton Hotel, originating in the shaft of tire kitchen lift. It quickly enveloped the three upper floors and the roof. Being dinner time, the hotel was crowded with wealthy American and foreign visitors. Many were dressing for 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 haif an hour the flames had a great hold on the upper part-bf the huge building.: Two hundred and fifty firemen, 25 steamers, and a dozen ladders were soon on the scene. While the firemen were exploring the building and attending to the hoses,' the public assisted by removing furniture and luggage, quantities of costly tilings being piled up on the pavement. One charred body was found on the uppr/.- floor, and was subsequently identified as Finnin, an American actor. Firemen were overcome and taken to the hospital. A huge crowd were • attracted, including Mr Winston Churchill (Homo Secretary). Some of the spectators ho-hooed, and cried “What are 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 Dnrnhury, ex-German Colonial Secretary, wore among those who escaped from the Carlton Hotel.