THE BRUSSELS FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 112, 19 August 1910, Page 5

THE BRUSSELS FIRE.

INEFFECTIVE FIRE FIGHTINB GEiAE. FOOLISH FIREMEN AND TOY SQUIRTS. Ry Cable.—Press As-oeiation—Copyright London, August 17. Britain has suggested to Belgium that a joint hoard of experts apportion responsibility in connection with the exhibition fire. It i§ possible that the Belgian Government will be liable for the amounts not recoverable under insurances. The Times estimates the total losses at £2,000,000. Le Journal de Bruxelles justifies the complaints of correspondents that the firemen were unable to find the hydrants, and that the hoses were to» short* and that while the fire was spreading, thpi firemen squabbled about the great fault was that they followed instead of isolating the fire. Other statements assert that the British hose was taken out directly the Belgian section was threatened, hut the pressure was equal to a toy squirt. Fife attendants, finding it impossible to stay the fire, attempted to save the art furniture and tapestry, but the excited' soldiery and police rushed in with fixed bayonets and forced them to leave the building. ] The safe with the De Beers diamonds hasjibeen discovered. THE CAUSE OF THE OUTBREAK. London, August 17. The Times asserts that a watchman admitted that he caused the fire at Brussels Exhibition by lighting his pipe.