WASTE PAPER DESTROYED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 13, 9 October 1945, Page 5

WASTE PAPER DESTROYED

DESTRUCTIVE PAPER MILLS FIRE SATURDAY EVENING'S OUTBREAK . Spontaneous combustion was responsible for the outbreak of a destructive fire in the Whakatane Paper Mills reserve store of waste paper last Saturday evening. The fire f which was first noticed after 5 p*m. destroyed approximately 100 tons of baled waste valued at £750 # and was only subdued after a five hour fight by the mill employ, ees and members of the Whakatane Fire Brigade. The outbreak occurred in the building known as the 'recreation room which liacl been used tem-' porar'ily to accommodate the large bales of waste material received periodically from the cities. When smoke was first seen issuing from the building it was thought that the fire could be speedily suppressed by memtters of the mill lire team. Two leads from the existing mains were, run into the building, and played continuously upon the smouldering piles of paper. However, the flames appeared to be spreading in spite of the efforts of those concerned, and with the roof glowing red hot, and liable to burst open at any moment, thus giving draught to the fire it was decided to call in the Whakatane Brigade which arrived at /i.45 p.m. Three new leads from the river were immediately run out_ and in the. next three hours, some. 45,000 gallons were poured into the burning structure. The great difficulty appeared to be in reaching the seat of the actual fire. The tightly bound | bales smouldered in spite of the deI luge of water, and when one section of the pile appeared to be thoroughly drenched, it would break out afresh when attention was being diverted elsewhere. An exceedingly dangerous period, took place when it was necessary to break open the glowing roof in order to bring the leads to play in the. centre of the lire. When this was done, the sarking underneath was then almost destroyed and the men responsible had a most difficult task in removing the iron. Shortly before 10 p.m. the Brigade were, enabled to leave, and hand over the task of controlling one or two still smouldering sections to members of the staff. In passing, it is interesting to recall that a similar fire occurred in the mill some «even years ago, apparently from the same cause and the actual out- j break smouldered on for no less than four months. The Avails of the present being of reinforced concrete remain intact, but the floor and the roof have been practically destroyed. Before leaving the Borough the Fire Brigade, made suitable alternative arrangements which would , bave amply safeguarded the interests . of residents in the event of an emer. geney arising during their absence.