If a source of ignition reached the petrol "creep," flame would spread along the course of the fumes. It is thought that a cigarette was being moked in the office. This could have supplied the source of ignition, and flame then is thought to have spread through the fumes to the place where the women were sorting out celluloid scrap. The celluloid mediately became involved, with intense heat and heavy smoke.
The enterprise has been under supervision of Council officials since July 1939, when its operation was first proposed. The boiler room was isolated by instruction, obstructed exit doors opened up, and additional exits provided. The latter precautions undoubtedly saved several li when the fire occurred. The rubber balloon drying room was also isolate ed by instruction, and dormitory accommodation provided outside the facto y for the workers, who pre-Jy had to sleep above the dip-and drying rooms. A proper g room for celluloid was instal-
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.