FATAL FIRE AT BRISBANE.

West Coast Times, 28 January 1914, Page 3

FATAL FIRE AT BRISBANE.

SALVATION ARMY HOME DESTROYED.

INMATES BURNT TO DEATH

WOMAN INMATE’S CONFESSION

(pKE PE ESS ASSOCIATION. —COPTEIOHT.]

BRISBANE, Jan. 27.—The Girls’ Salvation Army Home at Taringa, a suburb of Brisbane, was destroyed by fire this morning. Some of the , inmate,a jumped from the second storey. Two were incinerated, and one died of the injuries sustained. Six others were injured. ' BRISBANE, Jan. 27.

After the fire a married woman named Martingale, an inmate of the. home surrendered to tno police. She confessed she started the lire. She had thrice previously attempted to burn the home.

There wore thirty-two inmates in the home. The lire had gained a strong hold when discovered. Excepting the army staff, who were cool and rendered valuable assistance, the women were panicked. A number in the upper storey who were cut off by the flames jumped from the balcony, six receiving injuries. Three lives were lost. A girl_ named 'Denver was burned to death. Mrs Halburn who was shockingly burnt and Airs Manvel who was injured by jumping from the balcony succumbed to their iujurie-.'. T BRISBANE, Jan. 2,.

The building was, wooden and had been in the occupation of the Army for a number of years. I lie fire, which was first noticed by the matron, sleeping on the verandah, started in the lavatory and got a strong hold and burned fiercely. The inmates were comprised of thirty-five girls and women, and five army officers.