FIRE IN BULK STORE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 449, 3 September 1928, Page 16

FIRE IN BULK STORE

MYSTERIOUS OUTBREAK SMOKE HAMPERS FIREMEN Mystery surrounds an outbreak of fire, which occurred last evening in a three-storeyed wooden bulk store belonging to Whittome, Stevenson and Company, an Charlton Gore Road. The fire broke out at two points, widely separated from each other, and on different floors. Smoke was first noticed by Mr. W. T. a nearby resident, who immediately gave the alarm. It is though, however, that the floor must have been smouldering for some time before this. . The stock in the store consisted of empty bottles, casks of vinegar and fruit and vegetable pulp, and the boards soaked in vinegar may have prevented the fire spreading rapidly. While fighting the fire two men received cuts on their hands from broken glass, because many bottles were exploded by the heat. The men had difficulty in finding the seat of the fire owing to the thick black smoke which came through the windows. The building was insured for £3,500 and the stock for £5,700.