FIRE AT LANSDOWNE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 2 December 1926, Page 5

FIRE AT LANSDOWNE.

MOUSE GUTTED. A six-roomed wooden house in King Edward street, owned and occupied by Mr Hedley Jaynes Chestennan, a motor driver on the staff of Levin and Comtotally'gutted by fire at 6>30 o evening. The fire originated through a tin in which some spirit stain was being heated, melting. The contents escaped and quickly ignited the surrounding walls. Fanned by a draught through the main passage, the fire spread with lightning rapidity, and before the alarm could be given, at least half the building was in the. grip of the flames. Dense columns of smoke were belching through the roof, and a seemingly hopeless task faced the -brigade when it arrived. Fortunately there was no wind, and as the neighbouring houses wore in no immediate danger, the firemen were able to concentrate then- attention on the -blazing house. The new water supply gave a generous pressure, and was responsible for the outbreak being checked within fifteen minute*, but not before the entire interior of the structure was gutted.

Several neighbours who arrived on the scene before the fir<j prevented salvage were successful in reinoviujHo safety considerable quantities of clothing and linen, and many articles of furniture. That which remained in the house wqs charred, or otherwise completely destroyed. The house was insured for £6OO. and the contents - for £3OO in the Northern Office. • ,