FIRE ON LINERIRARANGA.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 July 1920, Page 1

FIRE ON LINERIRARANGA.

AMOJMO flax and wool cargo

BLAZING BALES HOISTED FROM HOLD.

A good deal of excitement was caused on tile waterfront last Thursday hy a firs breaking out on the liner Raranga berthed at Glasgow Wharf, Wellington Tlic liner is practically fully loaded, and was to have sailed at daylight for London.

The City Eire Brigade was called upon at about half-past eight o’clock. The lire was in the ’tween decks, forward in No. I hold. There is general cargr in this hold, including llax and wool. The lire started among the latter goods and when the Brigade arrived had a fai : hold. It must have been smouldering for some time. The lire was very difficult to reach, and an insulating door was broken open in an effort to get a liose to work. It was, however, found impossible to reach the fire this way. and the door was closed again. Meanwhile streams o'! water were being poured on the deck.

The hatch was then lifted and a bridagdesman donned a smoke mask and made an inspection below. He hosed all the smouldering cargo that it was possible for him to get at. The problem which now presented it self to the brigade was whether the clack should bo cut open in order to gei at the fire, or the cargo hoisted out o* th hold and hosed as it came up. Tin latter course of action was decided on. and a winch and grappling irons were got to work. By this means the bales of flax were hauled out of the steamer and swung on to the wharf. Most of the top bales were merely blackened and burnt, but now and again one would come out binding, and the hose was immediately got to work. Every bale was thoroughly hosed on arrival on the wharf, and then carried o(F by mote? trucks to the vacant land adjacent h King’s wharf.

Superintendent Tait was in charge cl the brigade, and the shore supervise! for tlie company superintended the taking of the cargo out of the hold. It. was impossible to ascertain the extent of the damage on Thursday night but it seems to have been confined to tho cargo. Until an early hour the cargo was still being hoisted out, and tin lower tiers of bales bad not been reached. It was probable that part of the flooring of the hold will he found to be burnt slightly.