OIL FIRE DANGER

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1931, Page 14

OIL FIRE DANGER

POSITION AT LYTTELTON.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES.

What might happen if an oil fire took place at Lyttelton was considered at a meeting of the Christchurch Fire Board. In discussing the question of the brigade giving assistance if required. Members referred to the great danger of Lyttelton being wiped out in the event of ourning oil taking possession of the inner harbour. The Vacuum Oil Company asked for advice as to whether the Christchurch brigade would be prepared to go 0 Lyttelton in the event of the company s bulk tanks catching fire. The letter also asked what conditions the -board would be prepared to accept in the event of a call being made. ~ , -j The chairman, Mr. T. M. Charters said a heavy engine and eight men could i be despatched to Lytteltop ;/ f . required. The journey could be made in half an . Jiour. ‘‘They would certainly need us if any

of those tanks caught, ’’ .said Mr. K. W. Robinson. “Lyttelton would be an absolute death trap. The Lyttelton Harbour Board is doing what it can. Its scheme is to run out a ship if it caught fire while unloading, but the question would be. ‘Could they save Lyttelton?”’ Mr. Charterfl said fires in other countries had shown how great was the danger. It was quite true that, in the event of an oil fire at Lyttelton, all the assistance possible would be needed. The Marbour Board should be Woacedenfij matter, as the town of b the Harbour Board’s propertj would be endangered in the event of me. G “Burning oil in the restricted area of the inner harbour would be against the wharves in no time,” Mr. Charters add. Cd After a lengthy discussion regarding terms, it was decided that, if a call were made, the charge should be £l5 for the first hour, £l2 for the second hour , and £9 for the third and subsequent hours. The question of a guarantee or other arrangement with the oil company was left to the secretary for a report.