Hx
95
The explosion which occurred was noted to be a normal feature of celluloid fires.
The contents of No. 5 Godown were identified as far as possible, and rough quantities given.
lows :
Early theories of origin of the fire were described, as fol-
Electrical theory of origin.
Theory of ignition by material descending flue-pipe. Theory of ignition by human agency.
Theory of ignition by agency of calcium cyanamide. Theory of ignition by impure caustic soda..
All these theories were investigated and discarded owing to contrary evidence. The theory of self-ignition of the film was for- mulated, and its theoretical basis is discussed in the report..
Evidence is offered, that a further consignment of 80 drums, found by the police, is material identical with the 144 drums found in No. 5 Wing On Godown.
loid.
This material was examined for the presence of unstable cellu- Some unstable material was found therein.
8.
General Conclusion.
In my opinion, therefore, the Wing On Godown fire was caused by self-ignition of a part of the washed film stored therein. This self- ignition was produced by long storage, in a hot climate, in closed con- tainers, of washed film containing a small proportion of unstable cel- luloid.
(signed)
Richard C. Terry,
Assistant Government Chemist,
10 November 1948..