SERIOUS FIRE IN SHANNON.

Shannon News, 18 February 1927, Page 3

SERIOUS FIRE IN SHANNON.

BUSINESS PREMISES DESTROYED.

THREE SHOPS DEMOLISHED.

A fire occurred in Shannon at 3 a.m. this morning, when three shops in Plimmer Terrace, adjoining the Borough Council Chambers, were totally destroyed. They were the property of Mr. H. Hook and were occupied by Messrs Aiteheson and Son (grocers), C Young i(cycle shop), the third being vacant. The fire was first discovered by Mr. •Mcintosh, a porter at the railway station, who saw flames issuing from the rear of Mr. Young "s shop. He immediately called Mr. Chong Pole who resides nearby, but getting no response, he aroused other people living in the neighbourhood. When others arrived the back portion of Young's and Aiteheson's shops were well ablaze, and as no proper fire fighting appliances were available the flames socn found their way through to the front and the building and its contents were quickly demolished. When it was seen that nothing could be done to save the building, attention was directed to saving the adjoining property, a garden hose and a bucket brigade, being brought into action.

Fortunately there was no wind and with, the brick wall on each side, the fire was confined to the one building. The rear portion ef the Council offices were badly scorched. At one time it was thought the Council Chambers and Mr. J. Roach's shop, which are on each side of the building, would catch alight, ko the contents of each building were removed, danger of the wind rising, in which case nothing could have prevented the flames sweeping through the block. A telephone message was therefore *ent urgently to the Levin Fire Brigade for their asistauce. Superintendent Conner and Foreman Breare answered the i-all and arrived with a hydrant and hose. A j.plendid pressure of water was available, and all danger of the fire stealing was soon dispelled. *AII that now remains of the building this morning are the two brick wall?, , oth of which show the effects of the >n:at Both are badly bnck'ed and th-.' will require to be dismantled at once, . s should a high wind arise there is verv likelihood of them collapsing.

Mr. Young states he was working ii. his shop up till 11 p.m. last night and when he left everything appeared to be safe. There had been no fire in his work shop during the evening. Both Messrs Aiteheson and Son and •Mr. C. Young will be big losers over the fire.

When we went to press the insur ances were not available.