FIRE ON S.S. VICTORIA

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2503, 2 July 1915, Page 7

FIRE ON S.S. VICTORIA

. OUTBREAK SUPPRESSED THREE MEN NEARLY ASPHYXIATED Shortly after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon smoke was observed issuing from the No. 3 hold of the HuddartParker steamer Victoria, which had berthed at the Queen's Wharf - a few hours previously, on arrival from tha south. The Fire Brigade was immediately summoned, and by the time oi its arrival the smoke was coming out of the hold in thick columns. Prior to the arrival of the brigade the ship's company had used every endeavour to suppress the outbreak. The hatches had been battened down, and every precaution taken to prevent the outbreak spreading.. When the Fire Brigade arrived the chemical fire extinguisher was brought into use with capital results, and by 7 p.m. the fire had been extinguished.. During the endeavours to suppress the fire two men, Arthur Harman (who resides in Majoribanks Street) and a man named Bell were carried out from tlie hold in an unconscious condition, having been partially asphyxiated by the smoke. Restorative methods were immediately applied, but as these were unsuccessful, both' men were conveyed with all dispatch to the Hospital. Bell recovered shortly after arrival, and was able to leave the institution. Phillips, however, remained unconscious for some time, but last night lie was reported to be well on the way to recovery. It is expected that Harman will be able to leave the Hospital to-day. A City lire-' man named Darwood had also to be carried out'of the hold, having been overcome by' tlie smoke, but he recovered on tho wharf. On examination of the hold it was found that a large quantity of chaff, wheat, flour, oats, cheese, and some bales of paper : had been considerably damaged bv water. About seven tons of.' the, above-mentioned cargo was removed to P Shed. The extent of the dainago was not ascertainable last evening, as a large quantity-of the cargo has to be removed to-day. for examination. During the progress of the fire' smoke ivas observed coming from No. 4 hold, but.it was. subsequently ascertained that. through the heat of the fire on the bulkhead between Nos. 3 and 4 holds an electrical fitting-box had ignited. Up to rhe present the cause of the fire is a mystery, but it is surmised that it was due to spontaneous combustion, and originated, it is thought, before the vessel berthed here. The departure of the Victoria has been postponed to this afternoon, when she will leave for northern ports,