FIRE IN FACTORY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 November 1938, Page 9

FIRE IN FACTORY

A DASH FOR SAFETY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, November 7. Damage to plant and stock estimated at about £lOOO resulted from a fire which broke out in the premises of Refrigerators, Ltd., Rocklands Avenue, Dominion Road, today. The back portion of the building, a two-storey concrete structure, was also extensively damaged. The premises are used by the firm for finishing refrigerators and radio cabinets manufactured at its factory in Newmarket. No indication of the cause of the fire could be given by members of the staff, who said that a sheet of flame, accompanied by a roaring sound, suddenly burst from the vicinity of an electric motor and compressor used for spraying lacquer, and situated on the first floor. As much inflammable material was nearby, only a few moments elapsed before the surrounding woodwork and other material were alight. The flames gave out an intense heat, and nine men working on the floor had to dash for safety. A call was made to the fire brigade, and in the meantime an unsuccessful attempt was made to suppress the outbreak with chemical apparatus. Fire engines promptly answered the call, and within about 20 minutes the outbreak was under control.

The building is owned by Messrs L. E. Bayliss and A. Beazley, and is insured for £llOO. The contents are covered by insurance.