BIG CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

Chronicle (Levin), 20 August 1946, Page 5

BIG CHRISTCHURCH FIRE

-Press Association

Blaze In Shoe Factory LARGE BLOCK DESTROYED

By Telegraph-

CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 20. A large part pf the fire fighting resources of Christchurch werte called out shortly before midnieb' last night to check a fire which destroyed the clicking, machinery and stuff-cutting * departments of Duckworth, Turner and Compahy, Ltd., in Carlyle Street. The brigades successfully prevented the spread Of the fire to the large bl'ock of factory fronting on • to Carlyle Street, and to the adjoining purposes of the Carlyle Slipper Company, Ltd. It was one of the most spectacular fires in Christchurch in recent years, and the third large fire in the city- this month. The glare from the flames could be seen over the greater part of Christchurch, but before the flames took control there was a series of violent explosions, which could be heard many miles away. Hundreds of spectators were quickly attracted to the scene.

Residents in Byron Street, at the rear of the factory, found the heat so intense that they had to shield their faces while watching the fire from a distance of 150 yards away. Nevertheless, the firemen took leads o-f hose through vacant sections, and through th^ shattered windows poured water into the interior of the building, which by that time was a mass of flame. The secretary of the company, Mr. D. V. Wilson, said that the fire would put the whole factory out of operation for some time, as thedepartments burnt out supplied partly finished shoes to the machinery, finishing and inspection departments. The factory produced only women's and "children's shoes. Estimates of the damage were not available this morning.