FIRE AT THE TOWER

Hokitika Guardian, 24 July 1929, Page 2

FIRE AT THE TOWER

BEEFEATERS JOIN IN EIGHT. LONDON, June 4. A fire at tlie 'Power of London last evening was fought by Beefeaters in their centuries-old scarlet uniform and by troops stripped to the waist. It was the most spectacular lire seen in Loudon for many years, .ov.l was watched by crowds of people lining the parapet of Tower Bridge.

Flames and clouds of smoke were seen pouring from the roof and windows of a (building nearly 80 r > years old. .It stands between tlie Broad Arrow and Salt Tower, mul is now used as a mobilisation store. It was stocked principally with clothing—a lot of which was removed by troops.

The building adjoins the married men’s quarters and the officer’s quarters. It is stated to have been built at the time of Queen Anno and at one time was known as the Spanish Armoury.

GUARD’S ,PARADE. I I Twenty fire-fighting appliances—motor pumps, turntable: ladders, and an emergency tender—entered the Tower by different gates. When file alarm was given about 5.30 Grenadier Guards were drawn up on parade. The Tower’s own fire-fighting facilities were brought into action and the brigade. was sent for. The fiild ,'Oprines had to ; cross •• bridge over the moat to reach the interior ef the Tower. While the fire was in progress relief firemen were brought up in motor 'lon;ies. Other firemen wearing respiratory apparatus had to be employed to roach the seat of tlie outbreak, which was under control in loss than two hours. Guards with fixed bayonets were placed at all entrances with Beefeaters, who saw that no unauthorised person was allowed to approach. Complete secrecy was observed concerning flctpils of the fire,. ; -