FIRES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2404, 9 March 1915, Page 7

FIRES

OUTBREAK IN EXPLOSIVE STOKE. The small fire which broke out at the Harbour Board's explosive store yesterday morning may have had very serious results but for the prompt answer of the Fire Brigade to the call.' It is not known, definitely how "the fire originated, but it is surmised that it was due to the corrosion of a tin of. phosphorus and the contact of the contents with the air. The building is of trick, and situated at the back of the cheese store, and as it usually contains a large quantity of dangerous goodai it can bo gathered haw serious the possibilities of the outbreak were. As it was, some of the cases of highly inflammable liquids were 'flaming and charred when talsen out. The phosphorus oases were also burned, while the gas cylinders, also contained in the shed, were got out without difficulty. The brigade found the fumes most difficult to work in, but succeeded in extinguishing the fire before much damage was done. PRIVATE HOTEL PRACTICALLY DESTROYED. (Br Telegraph.—l J ress Association.) Auckland, March 8. A large private hotel, The Towers, in Newmarket, was partially destroyed by fire on Saturday night. One wing of the house was gutted. The Newmarket Brigade reel capsized when rounding a corner, and two men were slightly injured. ■ The others proceeded to the fire without appliances. The City. Brigade arrived and assisted to extinguish the fire. The building is owned by N. Nielsen, and is insured in the Phoenix office for £1200, and the contents in the 6ame office for £400. It ! is estimated the damage to the building is about £1000. The proprietor- is W. Potter.