FIRES.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2718, 26 December 1882, Page 3

FIRES.

DURHAM STREET. Shortly before ten o’clock on Saturday evening the fire bells rang out alarms, and the glare to the north of the river indicated the locality of the fire, which proved to be a two-storey house in Durham street, close to the corner of Aldred street, and tenanted by Mr D. Barsht. The Fire Brigade mustered quickly, the first engine to show on the scene being the chemical, followed closely by the Deluge, Dreadnought, and Extinguisher. The latter was at once stationed at the tank in Victoria street, from which the water had to be conveyed a distance of at least 400 yards Before this supply was available the chemical did good work, and it is owing to the service thus rendered that the next house, which was untenauted, was saved from destruction. The chemical contingent were busily employed casting the contents of their water bags on the side of Barsht’s house immediately adjoining the empty house already referred to, and thus the flames were kept somewhat in check, although before the big engine got into play the roof of the house adjoining was in full blaze; but shortly after ten o’clock the water was seen distending the hose, and when it once was got into play the flames -were quickly subdued, amidst the cheers of the bystanders. All danger over in this quarter Superintendent Turton at once directed his attention to the house in which the fire originated, and although it was impossible to save anything the fire was speedily quenched. As the heat slackened and the firemen were able to turn over the debris, the excitement of the crowd was very great, as it was rumoured that some of Mr Barsht’s children were in bed at the time, but fortunately this was not the case. All the family were out to see the Christmas decorations in town, and the fate that befel them was the loss of house, home, and all the belongings pertaining thereto, as not a stick was saved. The house destroyed, and also that adjoining, is owned by the Rev. J. Aldred, who is secured by a policy of insurance in the New Zealand. Mr Barsht’s furniture is covered by a policy for £2OO in the Victoria. KAIAPOI. At 3.30 on Christmas Day, a fire was discovered to have started in the broom on the Darnley square reserve. It is supposed to have been caused by children, but was put out without any serious damage having taken place.