FIRE IN PARK STREET.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3771, 24 March 1928, Page 3

FIRE IN PARK STREET.

NARROW ESCAPE OF RESIDENCE. BRIGADE’S GOOD SAVE. Mr. R. McMurray’s residence in Park Street 'had a narrow escape from destruction by fire shortly after 11 a.rii. yesterday. Prompt work on the part of the brigade undoubtedly prevented a serious conflagration, the fire being confined to the washhouse, the seat of the outbreak.

Mrs. McMurray was the only person in the house at the time, and was indulging in a bath, the water for which purpose had been heated in the washhouse copper, which is under the same roof as the house proper. Everything appeared to be quite safe when Mrs. McMurray left the washhouse. Some .time later, however, Mrs. McMurray heard several explosions which caused her to make investigations. On opening the door at the end of the passage, she discovered the washhouse well alight, and the kicthen filled with smoke. She gave the alarm over the telephone. The cause of the explosions was due to a box of blank ammunition which had been hanging bn the washhouse wall near the copper. Had it not been for the explosion of these cartridges it is.possible that the fire would not. have been discovered until it had done moie serious damage. A stiff breeze was blowing at the time and the smoke was fanned into the roof of the building and gave the appearance that the dwelling was alight all through. The Brigade made an excellent save and their prompt arrival prevented the spread ofj the flames into the dwelling portion of the house, where but slight damage was done by smoke and water. The building was insured in the State Fire Office for £llsO, but the damage done is estimated at £SO.