FIRE OUTBREAK

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 108, 10 January 1940, Page 5

FIRE OUTBREAK

OHOPE HOUSE BURIED ARMY OF FIRE-FIGHTERS The prompt action of a small iirmy of fire-lighters prevented the complete destruction of n four-room ed wooden house at Ohope Beach last Monday afternoon. The outbreak occurred in the absence of the occupiers Mr and Mrs J. H. Delves who had left for Whakatane barely twenty minutes when smoke was first seen issuing from the roof. .The fire was apparently located in the vicimitv of the kitclicn ainl in a comparatively short time attracted some hundreds to the spot. Dozens of voluntary fire-fighters were soon busily at work and in spite of the smoke and the close proximity of the flames managed to drag outside the entire contents. A bucket brigade Avas speedilA" formed and by the combined efforts of all on the job the flames AAere soon suppressed. An exciting incident Avas the burst ing of the hot Avater boiler the force of Avhich literally blew one of the principal rescuers out the door. Fortunately he Avas uninjured. The house which is owned by Mr T. Jirogan of Ohope is insured but details arc not available at present. The main damage is due to smoke stains the fireproof lining boards acting as a good protection against the spreading of the flames. In the kitchen Avliich Avas gutted, it is assumed that the fire started from the grate Avhere a fault in the construction allowed the lire from the grate to play upon the timbers of the house.