SHEDS ABLAZE.

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19459, 26 December 1934, Page 6

SHEDS ABLAZE.

FIRE AT FRANKTON. RAILWAY DEPOT OUTBREAK. A SPECTACULAR CONFLAGRATION, With dense clouds of smoke, and tongues of flames reaching high Into the air a Are, whioh practically gutted the engine sheds at the Frankton Railway station on Monday evening, provided one of the most spectacular blazes seen In Hamilton for some years. The damage was estimated at about £2500. Apparently ignited by a spark the fire had a good hold before it was noticed. The yardmen could not control !he outbreak with the emergency fire-fighting apparatus, and the Hamilton Fire Brigade was summoned, two engines dashing to the scene, There were seven locomotives in the sheds at the time, but despite- the heat from flames which were rapidly gaining ground, and the dense smoke, the railway officials, led by the senior -shed driver, Mr W. Clough, and Mr P. Anderson, coupled up the engines, and, bringing another engine from the yards, drew the locomotives out to safety. Brigade Handicapped. When the brigade arrived the flames had a good hold, on the roof timbers, which were blazing fiercely. A lead of hose extending 800 feet had to bo run out from the fire engine to the scene of the conflagration. The available water supply was at the end of a main, and this, coupled with the long length of hose lead required, resulted in reduced pressure, which was so low that the stream of water would barely reach the roof of the sheds. When this was discovered another lead of hose was run from Queen’s Avenue, and more effective results were obtained. Over 800 feet of hose was run out from the fire engine which was pulled up in High Street. .. , The roof of the sheds was lined with tarred material, which blazed fiercely, and was practically demolished before adequate water supply became/available. The brigade could do little else than save the adjoining sheds and confine the 'flames to the roof, which was completely gutted. At the height of the blaze heavy pieces of smouldering timber, falling from the roof, made the work of the brigade dangerous, and several of the firemen were struck, although none was injured. Several received minor cuts, bruises and burns, and Mr A. Mathieson was given medical attention for an injury to his foot, whion was penetrated by a nail. Now Shed Gutted. The heavy pall of smoke and long tongues of flame were visible in all parts of the borough, and a large orowd assembled in the vicinity of the sheds to'watch the brigade at work. Two main sheds, one about 60 feet long and 40ft wide, and the second, about 100 ft by 40ft, capable of housing twenty locomotives, were involved in 1 the outbreak. The smaller shed had been standing for many years, but it is only about six months since the larger shed was erected as part of an extensive building programme at the locomotive depot. Attached to this shed was a smaller building used to house tools and machinery. This also .suffered from the flames, although the contents were not seriously damaged. Considerable rebuilding will bo necessary to restore the buildings. Considering tile strong hold which the flames had taken when the call was received shortly after 3 p.m., the brigade did good work in confining tliff fire" lo the roof of the sheds.