FIRE DESTROYS PORTION OF HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17759, 1 February 1926, Page 1

FIRE DESTROYS PORTION OF HOME.

KITCHEN, WASHHOUSE, PANTRY ARE GUTTED The washhouse, pantry and kitchen of a six-roomed house, at No. 12, Alban y Street, St Albans, were gutted by fire at 3.35 o’clock this morning. The house, owned by Mr A. D. Ilassall, is occupied by Mr Norman An drew Wilson. Returning home from work at 2.30 a.m., Mr Wilson prepared a hot drink in the kitchen, and then retired. Some time later he heard something fall in the kitchen. On investigating, he found that the rear portion of the house was in flames. The alarm was immediately given, and the Christchurch City and St Albans Brigades arrived, quelling the outbreak after a strenuous fight. There is little doubt about the ori gin of the fire. Yesterday afternoon, a small fire had been going in the washhouse, and this had been left to die out. A number of pieces of wood, cut for lighting the copper fire this morning, were lying fairly near the grate, and it is probable that these became ignited sometimes yesterday evening. The three rooms affected adjoin one another, and were completely gutted. The fire did not penetrate to the other rooms of the house, but the interior fittings in many of the rooms were damaged by water. No one was injured. Mr Wilson and his family made their escape without much difficulty. The occupants’ effects are insured for £2OO with the Norwich Union, and Mr Hassall has / £4OO covering the house in the South ; Bristish Insurance Company.