K 45
Annexe C.
NUMBER OF CALLS, FIRES, ETC.
The Brigade received 148 calls to fires, or supposed fires, the number for the year 1923 being 170. The number of fires, excluding chimney fires, attended by the Brigade was 91 of which 7 were serious fires. (See Table IV).
LIVES LOST.
Ten persons, including 1 Fireman (H.K.F.B.) lost their lives at fires and two received such injuries that they subsequently succumbed.
Brief details are set out hereunder :-
12th July, 03.23 hrs. 191 Queen's Road W.—Building of 3 floors, used as electrical accessories and fancy goods shop and tenement dwellings :-When the Brigade arrived the whole building was a mass of flames. One female who was found in the street severely burned, and injured by jumping from the 2nd floor verandah, was despatched to Hospital near by; she succumbed later in the day. As soon as entry could be effected the incinerated bodies of 1 woman and 2 children were found on the 2nd floor verandah. These bodies were about to be removed when the verandah suddenly collapsed precipitating the bodies and 2 Firemen into the street, the falling masonry dislodging Fireman (No. 32) Lo Fook from the first floor ladder, killing him instantly, also injuring Station Officer Mr. Moss (both feet fractured) and 8 Firemen. The injured were despatched at once to Hospital on Brigade appliances and all have since recovered. The bodies of another woman and child were found amongst the debris on the first floor verandah.
The fire originated in rear of the shop and immediately under the staircase which on becoming instantly involved, precluded the occupants gaining exit by its means. Those who did escape were all males who were able to clamber around outside the verandahs to the next building.
17th July, 03.46 hrs. 36 Sai Street, Victoria C.—Building of 3 floors, used as laundry and tenement dwelling :-This was a late call. The fire originated in the drying room at rear of ground floor and the inmates made several vain attempts to extinguish it. When the Brigade arrived the whole building was involved, the roof had collapsed and both upper floors followed shortly after. When the fire was almost extinguished it was reported that 1