FIRE AT SHORTLAND.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 16427, 26 February 1925, Page 5

FIRE AT SHORTLAND.

AT MR. C. BIRCH’S. MOTOR-CAR AND SHED BURNT. BOTH INSURED. About 10 o’clock this morning tha fire-bells rang out an alarm of fire, and it was found to be in the garage of Mr C. Birch, in Baillie Street South. It appears that .Mr Birch went over to the garage to get the car—which has not been used for some time —ready for a run in the afternoon. Having filled up the benzine tank he got into the car and started it, when it backfired, and burst into flames.'' Mr Birch Inal only time to escape, and rushed to the nearest telephone and rang tho Fire Station. As soon as the appeal rang out the Brigade were immediate-* ly at the scene with a line of hose* playing on the burning building. By this time the fire had a good hold. Owing to the nearest tire plug being on the dead end of a small main running down Clarence Street, the pressure was very poor, but still the efforts of the Brigade soon had the building and car under control. The car, which had an all-metal body and disc wheels, had the tyres and upholstery completely destroyed. while the building was gutted. The car was insured in the Royal Office for £IOO, and the building in the Liverpool. London and Globe Office for £6O. Mr Birch is a heavy loser by the fire.