DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN SYDNEY.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 201, 23 March 1868, Page 3

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE IN SYDNEY.

The Sydney Morning Herald, of the 2nd inst., gives the following account of a fire which has occurred in that city : —A fire of a very alarming character broko out yesterday afternoon in the stores of Mr. J. B. Holdsworth, ironmonger, situated at the rear of his shop in George-street. The fire alarm bells were rung about half-past three o'clock, and soon the city was in a state of commotion. An immense crowd of persons speedily collected in the neighborhood of the fire, and fresh accessions to the number were made every moment. For some time after the arrival of the engines, great difficulty was experienced in procuring a supply of water ; however, when water was obtainable, it was thrown on to the burning building, and the buildings contiguous to it very unsparingly, the two steam fire-engines working admirably, and throwing immense streams of water on to the fire. Whilst waiting for the water, the fire made such headway, that there seamed at one time but little chance of saving any of the surrounding buildings. A northeast wind was blowing, and the Crown and Anchor Inn, at the corner of George and Market-streets, and the buildings at the north side of Marketstreet, were in imminent danger ; so much so that a quantity of furniture was removed from one of them. But the continuous and copious supply of water prevented such a calamity taking place. It was known from the first that gunpowder and a large quantity of kerosene oil was stored on the premises, and a great deal of caution had to be exercised by the firemen and others in approaching the building. This for some time greatly impeded them in their labor, and prevented them from rendering that assistance they were willing and capable of rendering. When the fire had been burning for about half an hour or so, an explosion took place, which completely shook the earth, for some distance round. It was at once known tl afc the devouring element had reached the gunpowder and kerosene. The people rushed in all directions, and it is astonishing that an accident of some kind was not the result. A succession of explosions followed, which could be heard over most parts of the city. The dense volumes which rose after each report swept along the streets in a south-westerly direction, enveloping everything in darkness, and forcing the people back, by this time, a large reinforcement of police under Inspector Reed, arrived on the spot, and the people were kept back 'out of clanger, and were prevented from obstructing the firemen in performance of their duty. A number of seaman from H. M. S. Galatea rendered good service by assisting in the removal of a large quantity oj kerosene and other property out of Mr Holdsworth's store It may be mentioned, too that Lord Newry was present, aiding the fireman with the hose and otherwise assisting in extinguishing the fire. The fire raged with unabated fury for upwards of three hours, before any signs of declention were observed, notwithstanding the immense volume of water that was constantly poured on to it. So intense was the heat that molten metal was running in all directions at the base of the building. About eight o'clock the store had been completely gutted, and the fire was rapidily succumbing. The engines continued at work, however, for two hours or more after that, when it was found their services could be dispensed with- The building was a substantial brick one ; it is totally destroyed. It was the property of Mr Burdekin, and was nsured in the Norwich TJuion and United offices, but to what amount could not be ascertained. The stock is insured in different offices, but the amount of insurance could not be ascertained last night, The amount of damage doue by this fire is roughly estimated, at about £IO,OOO or £12,000.