FIRE DAMAGE

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1931, Page 5

FIRE DAMAGE

CAUSED BY ‘‘FIRE BUGS.” CHRISTCHURCH, March 11. The approximate fire losses caused by the activities of the “fire-bugs,” Robert and James Gray, who were sentenced to lengthy terms of imprisonment last year, on charges including twenty-two cases of arson, was £48,500. These figures are given in the report of the superintendent of the, Christchurch Fire Brigade (Mr C. C. Warner) for the year ended March 31, 1930. The principal damage was done to the following premises; July 14. 1929, Bing Harris and Co.; July 1, 1929. J. M. Hey wood and Co.; August 1. 1929, D. IT. Brown and Son’s petrol store; September 1, 1929, Jones’ Cycle Store, Bedford Row; December 10, 1929, C. D. Gough and Sons’ hoot shop, Colombo Street. Total Losses. The total number of calls received during the year was 395. Of these the superintendent states, 185 were for actual fires, in or on property. 34 chimney fires, 48 were rubbish, grass and hedge fires ami 130 were false alarms, of which 92 were given maliciously. Fires were classified as (follows:—No damage. 25; trifling damage, 109 ; slight damage. 34; considerable- damage, 9; very considerable damage, S.

The estimated loss of property, not covered by insurance was; Contents, £4l Go; buildings, £lßl9, and the loss covered was estimated at: Contents, £40,158, and buildings, £13,770. The insurance on property on which fires occurred was: Contents, £227.224: buildings. £420,234. The estimated loss to the fire insurance companies was £.">8,928. The estimated total loss in districts outside the fire area was £3918.