369
308
The Daily Press
HONGKONG, AUGUST 14TH, 1868.
The Fire.
A fire broke out last evening, which at one tine threatened to be as serious in its results as some of the worst conflagrations that have! taken place in this colony, but, thanks to the very calm stide of the weather, and the nature of the building where the fire originated, and those in the immediate vicinity, the flames were confined to a comparatively small area, where they, in tact, burut out all there was to barn, and the fire was at an end. It is unfortunate that we are unable to say, "thanks to the fire brigade;" but so far as this very new institution is concerned, with the exception of its energetic chief, we were unable to see either the brigade or the evidences of that drill the Governor spoke of when alluding to the organization of the brigade in the Legislative Council. As has usually been the case at fires in Hongkong, confusion, disorder, and helplessness were tie rule last night. and had it not been for the exer- tious of some of our citizens, who were on the ground long before a single engine made its! appearance, or a drop of water was obtained,! combined with the fact as already stated, that the fire stopped itself, there is no knowing where the flames would have taken their course, or where they would bave ended, and more than likely car readers would have been without the usual Borning issue, since the fire has taken place in rather uncomfortable proximity to our office. Whether any further proof is wanting or not,! all those who were at the fire last night, saW for themselves that the colony is still as help- less as before we had a chief firemnau and a fire tax, and that thus far the fire brigade is a complete farce. It is hardly possible to have a fire in this colony confined to smaller limits than the one while took place last night, but we must get up a very much smaller one than this if we wish to have the pleasure of seeing them put out by the brigade.
The fire broke out about eleven last night in the building occupied by Messrs. Fawcett and Co.. Shipchandlers, corner of Wellington and Wyndham Streets. It is quite evident that before it made its appearance outside it had already made good "headway inside the building, and was fairly kindled among some such inflammable articles as tar or pitch, for when first discovered the whole of one corner of the building was in a blaze. The store had been closed at five o'clock, from which time until eleven of course no one had becu inside, six undisturbed bours were consequently given for the development of the flames to the extent in which they first burst into sight. It was only સ matter of a few minutes after the first
appearance
fire of the before the entire building occupied by Mesare. Fawcett & Co., was completely in flames, und once in the open air they rapidly sought more material for destruction. Spreading towards and in the old Oriental Hotel, time was scarcely given to a family occupying some rooms in the upper part of the building to escape with what elothes they had on, before this building was also covered by the fire which was now rapidly going westward through Wellington-street. The next building was Messrs. Dent and Co.'s
ता
stables, which being covered with a matsbed | attracte i the fire like a loadstone, but to this very fact is, no doubt due the stoppage of further progress. The shed, of course,¦ burned like fire paper, and in a few moments fell inside, but there was then nothing left int the bare inflammable stone-walls of the stable which immediately acted as a barrier to the further progress of the flames up Wellington- street, and so put an end to that part of the fire. Owing to the very calm state of the air, there was nothing to urge the fire up the hill, and consequently when it had burned up to the walls of the building occupied by Mr. Pearce. of Messrs. Fawcett & Co., as a private resi dence, it was again brought to a standstill, from the want of material of a flammable nature to lead it further. Had there been any air stirring from the harbour the whole of Wyndham-street, including the Daily Press office, would no doubt B have this morning heen in ruins, and it is difficult to say where it would have stopped. After the fire had been in progress for nearly an hour, one stream was obtained, with only the natural force of the water from the reser- voir, but this was entirely useless on account of there being but one length of hose, about twenty eet in length, and consequently not long enough to reach the needy buddings. The Police engine Was more successful in getting it stream on the buildings around and adjoining Dent's stables; but the Water Police have the credit of getting their machine first on the ground and first at work. although the sune is kept at the Harbour- master's, and had to be dragged up the hill with some difficulty, After the fire had well uigh burnt out, the P. & O. steam engine, was at work on Pelder's Wharf, with one stream on Wyndham Street, and Dent's engine had also been put in position, and was at work. Detachments of men from the Pearl and U. S. gunboat Dudilla were on shore very shortly after the fire broke out, and were as usual most energetic in their efforts wherever they were called for. Some men from th garrison were also on the spot in good time, and rendered valuable service. Conspicuous among those who were early on the ground, was a gentleman of the legal profession and the partner of oue of our leading American houses, through whose efforts alone a lot of Sikhs were put to work, and the lower part of Mr. Pearce's house saved. These fellows, in company with a large crowd of citizens were idly looking on at the fire, until thesc gentlemen arrived and energetically took courmand, when every one seemed to become impressed with the idea that something was to be done, and falling to work, did good service! under the barrister's direction. It is combined and systematised efforts of this kind that make a fire brigade and control a fire. The flames broke out again about four this morning, but were soon got under by the police, who were on the ground during the whole night and up to a late hour this morning. The fire is now smouldering on the premises formerly occupied by Fawcett & Co. which have been completely destroyed. The apper part of Oriental Hotel is more or less damaged both by fire and water, and the roof of Dent's stables, as already stated is destroyed. The buildings opposite the Hotel on the lower side of Wellington-street, bave had a narrow escape, with only a slight scorch- ing outside. This so far as we can ascertaini this morning, comprises the principal damage. The buildings and stock destroyed were, it is stated. fully insured.
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.