Rarely has more energetic and effective work been done by " Volunteer! Fire Brigade than that of the local firemen on Monday night. The outbreak was first seen by residents of the Chartered Bank and a telephone message twas sent to the Central Police Station.
As the fire was thought to be merely a slight outbreak the alarm was not sottnded, but two reels were at once sent to the scene. It was then 10.30 p.in. The Volunteers at once saw that the fire was: a dangerous one, a telephone message was sent to headquarters and the alarm brought all the remaining firemen to the spot with necessary appliances. The French Brigade's engine, however, the most powerful in the Settlements, was put out of action by fractions ponies on the way. Meanwhile the first arrivals had put their hoses in working positions and the senior officers had taken 193 a rapid survey at the situation. It was Messrs. Burkill and Sons' godown that was alight and thin columns of smoke emerging through the closed iron shut~ ters of the third story from both the northern and eastern sides showed that the fire in the interior had already made considerable headway. The godown doors were locked but the keys were speedily procured and as soon as water was turned on streams were directed against the windows and walls. A small hose was put into position at the southwestern corner of the Chartered Bank and one already at work between the burning godown and " The North China Herald" offices was able to cope with danger in that direction. Other hoses were taken through Messrs. Burkill Sons' Offices and soon streams of water were playing on the godown from all sides. Next, the fire float was brought to the nearest point on the river and its aid was very material during the battle that followed, The first floor of the godown was filled with boxes of sop, the next with piece-goods in bales, the third with silk, and the top floor with tea and waste silk. Burning fiercely amid the silk the fire soon destroyed {the third flooring and as it collapsed the concussion burst open the windows, and a vivid red glare lit up the scene as the flames leaped out of the openings. Immediately, the danger to the adjacent buildings became acute, and the firemen redoubled their exertions. No possibility existed of saving the godown, but the fire created " wind for itself, which, added to a steady breeze from the north-east that blew in blasts from all quarters through those narrow passages, carried out tongues of flame reaching to other high buildings and only the incessant streams of water confined the burning ares, Crowds of people lined the balconies of the Palace Hotel, the streets and neighbouring points of vantage; and the onlookers remained a long time, for the spectacle was worth seeing. effect that the North-China Herald alarm was given to: the
godown was alight on the roof, but 'a hose, being arduously dragged up ladder by one fireman followed by two others, all undertaking. considerable risk, reached the roof and disappeared from view amid the stifling current of smoke that was sweeping that way. And the hose at that point saved our offices, for already the hot iron shutters had set on fire the wood inside. There did not appear to be much danger of the godown walls falling but the heat and smoke were almost overpowering to all engaged close at hand. On the southern side showers of sparks and thick flames kept the buildings in constant danger and while leaning out from Dr. Patrick's window in order to play upon dangerous spot below Mr. D. J. Williams overbalanced and only saved himself from a fatal fall by dashing his hand through window. Unfortanately he suffered injuries to his arm which necessitated immediate transfer to hospital, where it was found that the wound were very severe. riginal from
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.