SPECTACULAR FIRE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume I, Issue 76, 9 March 1931, Page 2

SPECTACULAR FIRE

GREAT LONDON BLAZE THAMES-SIDE WAREHOUSE ELEVEN HUNDRED BREMEN INTENSE HEAT AND COLD LONDON, March 7. The most spectacular fire for many vears in London' within two hours reduced to a skeleton a portion of the seven-storeved Butler's wharf containing rubber and tea situated on ThamesSide opposite the Tower of London. Eleven hundred firemen and 70 engines and fire floats fought throughout the day to prevent the outbreak spreading to adjoining buildings which, owing to the congestion r-c regarded as London 's danger zone. The wind, almost at gale force, whipped the flames upwards hundreds of feet and blew gigantic volumes of smoke towards the city, so darkening offices a mile distant that they required artificial light. Occasional gusts blowing away the smoke revealed the buildings with red-hot girders and firemen clinging to swaying ninety-foot water towers and iron bridges connecting Butler s with neighbouring warehouses and other high points, pouring on tons ot water from a hundred jetsThe firemen commandeered a steamer and climbed the funnels and masts to pump on further volumes. Several were overcome bv the flames and some had their clothing bu-nt- Many had a narrow escape when a red-hot crane crashed down. Others suffered from the intense cold, having to hack away foot long icicles which were, freezing as tho water dripped- White-hot tea leaves and ashes showered on the enormous crowd watching the struggle. After six hours the flames were controlled. A quantity of oil stored m the neighbourhood is believed to be rv"; The damage is estimated at nearly £IOO,OOO.