SPECTACULAR BLAZE

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 183, 24 October 1927, Page 1

SPECTACULAR BLAZE

Flames Mount High When Big Christchurch Factory Burns

GALLANT FIREFIGHTERS

Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH. To-day. STARTING on the top floor near the western extremity of the building and spreading with rapidity, a fire last night, in the premises of Aulsebrook and Co., at the corner of St. Asaph and Montreal Streets, partially gutted the big building and did enormous damage.

TT was the biggest fire that has occurred in Christchurch for a long time, and it may throw out of work for a time about 400 employees of the 600 odd workers in the employ of the firm. No accurate estimate of the damage can be obtained, but the fact that the fire burned fiercely for nearly two hours will give some idea of the great havoc wrought. Insurances on the buildings and stock of Aulsebrook and Co. total £160,000 in the Northern Office. The insurances on the portion mainly affected by the fire total about £56,400. The block of buildings is of three storeys. Only heavy rain prevented the spread of the fire to McCully and Co's timber yard, where stocks are valued at £20,000. Fifteen men were kept continuously employed there preventing outbreaks. Over 5,000 people watched the blaze. As far as is known the fire started in the dispatch and packing room, and the inflammable nature of the contents helped the rapidity of the spread of the flames and made the task of the brigade in controlling the outbreak very difficult. The fire, particularly in its early stages, was most spectacular. The evening was wild and blustering with rain storms often, and hail. The brigade got quickly to work and the fire was attacked at every point that offered opportunity of successful work, and some of the firemen performed particularly hazardous and difficult tasks.

In St. Asaph Street an extension ladder was reared till its top was well over the roof of the burning building. On top of this, with gigantic columns of smoke billowing about him, and sparks showering upward thickly, a fireman hung on and directed a downward stream of water through holes in the roof.

It was a spectacle that fascinated the great crowd, who expected every moment to see the fire-fighter overcome by the terrible conditions. He stayed on, however, for fully a quarter of an hour, directing the strong stream of water to whatever point within reach promised the best advantage.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

PLANT NOT DAMAGED CHRISTCHURCH, To-day. The management of Aulsebrooks, Ltd., says that the firm's machinery and plant is practically undamaged, and That business will be resumed as usual in a few days.