INVERCARGILL FIRE.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1924, Page 3

INVERCARGILL FIRE.

[BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION* INVERCARGILL, June 10

The fire which broke out in the imperial Oil Company’s building in opey Street on Monday afternoon, completely destroying the stock and building, has continued to burn all day. Jit the early morning, a strong wind suddenly sprang up, and the Uames which were still leaping to a great height, threatened danger to me Vacuum Oil Company’s store, on the opposite site of the street ,i 11

which .there were sToreiT over 40,000 eases of petrol, approximately 1,110 eases of kerosene, and 20,000 gallons of lubricating oil. One third of the Vacuum Oil Company’s premises is of brick, and the remainder ,of corrugated iron. The danger to these premises, however, was lessened by the fact that- the front portion of the store is used to house the stocks of lubricating oil, which is not nearly of such nit inflammable nature as the motor spirits or kerosene. Nevertheless, it was necessary for the brigade to keep a strict watch 011 these premises, to which drifting sparks formed a constant source of danger. As the day advanced, the fire abated in intensity, and the flames gradually subsided. All day long, 11 dense column of smoke drifted over the town. It is

probable that the fire will continue to burn for some time yet, but the danger which threatened to the nearby buildings is past. On inquiry at the hospital, it was ascertained that F. (I. Smith. who was injured while endeavouring to check tho fire in its early stages, is making satisfactory progress.

A married man. Charles, Taylor (aged about (SO) was to-night proceeding in the direction of the fire, when he was struck by a passing engine and truck ill the Spey Street crossing, his injuries proving fatal before his arrival at the hospital.