Fire_Brigade_1958-1959 — Page 9

and was used as a rice shop and a small cafe (presumably un- licensed). A kerosene lamp was used for illumination in the cubicles and it is probable that the kerosene lamp was knocked over and fell into a capless 4-gallon drum of kerosene which was found at the rear of the cubicle,

23rd June, 1958-EXPLOSION AND FIRE AT KOWLOON HILL QUARRY

DUMBARTON ROAD

An explosion and fire occurred in the Kowloon Hill Quarry, Dumbarton Road, just before 21.40 hours. Immediately the call was received, 4 fire appliances and 2 ambulances were despatched to the scene. On arrival at the scene of the quarry, which is situated on a hillside approximately 100 yards west of the Pui To School and other buildings, the Fire Brigade found four wooden huts burning fiercely and a large quantity of debris consisting of broken glass, metal sheets, steel bars, distorted oil drums, etc. scattered over a wide area. The employees of the quarry informed the Fire Brigade that a quantity of dynamite and several hundred detonators had been stored in one of the burning huts. Safety precautions were taken immediately in case some of the dynamite still remained in the fire area. The fire, which did not cover a large area, was surrounded by fire jets from a safe distance and quickly brought under control and extinguished. From information received it was stated that 50 lbs. of dynamite and 150 detonators had been stored without authority in a wooden hut which was used as a store for implements and cement. The fire originated in an adjoining hut, spread rapidly to kerosene drums near the huts, and eventually set alight the hut containing the detonators and dynamite, thus causing the explosion. This dynamite and the detonators had been drawn from a store in the quarry at 17.30 hours for use on the following morning. The fire damage was confined to five wooden huts used as store rooms, quarters and offices. 3 people who were injured by the explosion were removed to Kowloon Hospital by Fire Brigade ambulances.

29th July, 1958- FIRE AT THE PREMISES OF THE HONG Kong and

KOWLOON WHARF AND GODOWN CO. LTD.

A call was received at 09.57 hours on 29th July, 1958, to a fire in the No. 38 godown of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Co., Ferry Street, Kowloon. Three appli- ances, a Tender, two Fire Vans, a Trailer Pump, an Ambulance,

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