CELLULOID GAS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 February 1926, Page 4

CELLULOID GAS

BIG FIRE DANGER. CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 10. The dangers that arise from celluloid were dealt with by Superintendent C. C. Warner in a special report to the Christchurch Fire Brigade last evening. The report dealt with a recent tire caused through the explosion of gas which is generated liy celluloid and with the fire risk from celluloid

generally. “During my investigation of this fire,” wrote Supt. Warner, “I was informed that for some considerable time previously, strong odours of ‘gases’ had been noticed by the occupiers. who were under the impression that the cause of their origin was a leakage from the gas motor. The room was small, and consequently in the absence of ventilation, very stuffy. The ‘celluloid' goods were of a distinct ‘gummy’ nature, caused either through the effects of sweating, being heated in transit, or in course of manufacture, and I attribute the gase.-. so prevalent throughout the building to the high temperature of the loom, combined with the nature of the goods stored in it.

“After reviewing the circumstances in connection with this fire. I am of opinion that the cause was due to the high temperature in the room, combined with the highly inflammable nature of the celluloid goods and gases evolved. which by toe application of flame, caused the explosion, and the damage which resulted.

Tn conclusion. 1 desire to specially point out that this report is in no w;is intended to disparage the sale of such goods or to discourage the patron-

age of cinema theatres, hut to emphasise the necessity for taking every precaution in the use of celluloid articles. With regard lo cinema films shown at places of public entertainment. most of these are of the inflammable type, which from the special process they undergo, in course of manufacture makes them safer to use, hut there is still a large quantity of the nitro-cellillese films in commission which are always a source of danger to their users.” The report was adopted.