Spectacular Fire In Timber Mill

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 303, 23 December 1939, Page 4

Spectacular Fire In Timber Mill

GOOD SAVE MADE Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Dec. 21. Five engines and 50 firemen fought a blaze which totally destroyed the dressing and recutting mill of the Kauri Timber Co., at Mt. Eden early this morning. The fire was a spectacular one, 40,000 feet of timber valued at £IOOO being destroyed. Timber valued at £12,000, mostly for Government orders, was saved as a result of tho efforts of the firefighters. The fact that there was no wind whet the fire was discovered at 3.30 a.m. prevented a large-scale loss. Immediately adjoining the mill is the shot tower of the Colonial Ammunition Co., and the timber kiln of Henderson and Pollard, where massive piles of dry timber were stacked. At one stage the intense heat caused portion of the timber to ignite, but the outbreak was quickly got under control. The paintwork of the shot tower was scorched.

When the brigades arrived the mill was a blazing inferno, and it was realised that it would be impossible fo save either the mill or the timber stack'd in the immediate vicinity. The firemen therefore concentrated their efforts In saving other timber and neighbouring buildings. The mill machinery and timber affected were Insured for £3,300 in the New Zealand Insurance Co.