FIRE AT KARANGAHAKE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5197, 31 October 1927, Page 2

FIRE AT KARANGAHAKE.

LARGE DWELLING BURNED.

FAULTY CHIMNEY INDICATEO.

A large seven-roomed house owned and occupied by Mr S. S. Ratliff, of Karangahake, was totally destroyed by fire about 3 o’clock on Friday afternoon.

The dwelling, which was situated on the hill off the main road, was a soundly built structure, and comprised mostly kauri, timber. Mr Ratliff, who was the only occupant, at the time, had had dinner in the house, after which he went out into the garden leaving a small fire which appeared to be safe. Where Mr Ratliff was working in the garden an outbuilding sfhut off his view of the house. The wind Was also- blowing in he opposite direction to the garden, and the fire had a good hold before the owner was aware of what had happened. There was not a water supply available sufficient to fight the, conflagration, and despite t)ie efforts of neighbours the house and contents were promptly destroyed. From investigations made, the fire apparently originated near a ceiling, and the indications are that a faulty chimney was the cause of the outbreak. The house was insured for the sum of £l5O jn the Yorkshire Fire Office.