FIRE OUTBREAKS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1924, Page 2

FIRE OUTBREAKS.

‘THK IIIVOU- (ICITED

.1 u.st before six o'elock last evening tin outbreak of lire oceurted at "The llivoli’’ fruit.xhop and general hardware stoic, in I level 1 Street, owned by Air I). Dowell. When the alarm was given the fire lia<l a good hold and the llames and smoke pouring out made the outlook appear serious. Ycrv smartly the Brigade put in an appearance, but when the first lino of hose was run out the flames wore pouring out of the front of the shop and threatening to envelop the Southland Hotel on one side and A. Little’s hootshop on the other, which formed a compact block of buildings. There was a capital water pressure, and in a few moments the outbreak was lreld. and it was seen that the adjoining promises would be saved. A further line of hose promptly followed the first, and in a few minutes the fire was under control, the Brigade making a remarkably fine save. Tlic outbreak was soon broken but not Indore tbe tiro had gutted the premises, which with the contents wore wrecked, nothing being removed, as it was impossible to enter the building after the alarm was given. The adjoining premises were not damaged beyond what a little water did that was played on to tne sides of the structures, hut for a few moments, before the water was played on the fire, a far more serious conflagration appeared to he likely. The streets were soon filled with interested spectators drawn to the scene, the interest being accentuated as the outbreak was in the centre of the business block of Hcvcll Street. The promptness of tln> alarm and tbe rapid concentration of the Fire Brigade under Supt. Braddon and Deputy Supt. 'Williams, together with a very good water supply resulted in a capital achievement in getting the fire under so promptly. Seen after the fire Supt. Braddon expressed lii.s appreciation of the good work done, stating the Brigade had made u remarkably successful save. In connection with the outbreak it is understood that Mr and Mrs Dowell bad been engaged during the afternoon in unpacking a case of crockery, and that Air Dowell had loft the. shop some twenty minutes before, which was locked and then was apparently safe. On going hack to tin* shop just before six o’clock when ho entered lie found the straw on the Moor at the rear end of the hardware shop on fire. He endeavored to heat- this out with tt broom, but was unsuccessful and then endeavored to get out by wav of the front door but was a I most overcome by the pungent- smoke, and he had to get- out through a side door to the hack yard where ho was able to give the alarm. Air Dowell is unable to account for the outbreak, though he thought it may have caused by tbe electric light fusing, as wlicn ho entered the shop and switched on the light it lit up and then went out. though the outside lights continued to hi ll n. Included in the stock in ilia hardware section was a piano and organ, and a large quantity of jewellery. The damaged stock lay about the building in disorder as a result of the fire and the powerful water jets played on the building and contents. THE INSURANCES. The insurances total £1.400. and are tts follows: On the building. £3OO in the Victorian Office. On the stock of hardware, jewellery 1 iauo. eie.. £1)00: hardware shop fittings Cot). On the fruit simp, contents, and fittings £ 17>0. all in the Southern Office. ANOTHER FI HE. When the alarm of fire was given for "The Bivoli’’. Mr J. Conning, Inspector of Stock resolved to motor down to the scene of tile outbreak, and when (/ranking up his car at his home Weld Street East, the engine .apparently backfired, and caught fire, with the result that before the flames wen* extinguished the engine, hood and otlir parts wore destroyed. The ear was a Siitdohaker and was insured for £l3O in the South British. Luckily Mr Conning was able to get the ear away from the outbuildings so that no other damage resulted. Tin- ear was valued at- £230.