An expensive bonfire was staged at the rear of Yangtszepoo Fire Station on Saturday morning last, when a quarter of a million feet of cinema film was destroyed. The films belonged to a well known firm of American producers, and destruction was rendered' necessary partly by reason of defects due to climatic conditions and partly as a means of protection against Piracy.
The operation was carried out by acting Chief Officer Dyson and Assistant Chief Officer Upton, in the presence of Messrs. C. J. G. Hill and R. N. Swann, representing the underwriters, and others interested in the trade There were also present representatives of various firms who are agents for chemical fire extinguishers, advantage being taken of the opportunity of testing the various appliances on the local market. Only a portion of the immense quantity of celluloid romance was used for the tests, the remainder being made up into a huge bonfire. The effect was very spectacular, the flames rising to an immense height and the heap of material being consumed with extraordinary rapidity.
For the chemical extinguisher tests the films were burned in boxes, each containing six rolls, and in each case the flames were speedily extinguished, the most effective spray being one which has the effect of "'blanketing" the fire. The superlarity of the chemical extinguisher over the ordinary fire hose was clearly demonstrated. An ordinary brigade hose played on one of the boxes had no effect, the celluloid continuing to burn under a layer of water. The whole mass of film was safely destroyed, and in the process interesting data was gathered which may he of use to the Fire Department.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.