18/08/2026
August 19 1941, 08:24, Tuesday, first of many calls by telephone, electrical fire in basement, later switchboard fire, near the lifts, John Burns, corner Customs Street East and Commerce Street, City. Normally the 1940 Dodge T-112 Salvage Van responded to electrical fires, it carried extinguishers for electrical fires. However No1 pump,1935 Ford V8, the flyer, Fourth Officer and Inspecting Officer Russell Preston [later Deputy Superintendent], driver Taffy [Trevor] Davis and eight Firemen responded. On arrival well involved fire in lift shaft area, coming out on 2nd and 3rd floors. At 08:27 a District Call responded four pumps, at 08:49 a Brigade Call, "havoc here, send everything", seven more pumps, total 12 pumps and 62 staff, all day leave cancelled. Auxiliary Firemen, Fire Police and Emergency Fire Service self responded. Deputy Superintendent George MacKenzie responded on Headquarters No3, 1929 Little Halley. Superintendent Bill [WL] Wilson in charge. Rescues made - see below. Six other people plus eight Firemen treated at Auckland Hospital, the worst Mike [Lionel] Abbott [EFS], T Cooper, Sam [SB] Irvine and Hec Lunn. Building of four floors and basement [top floor never rebuilt], fire confined to the building, cracks and bulges in outer walls especially south wall. Fifteen low pressure deliveries in use. Over 5,000ft [1,524m] of hose used. Simonis TTL undergoing major overhaul, not available. Commission of Inquiry lead by retired Magistrate Frederick [FK] Hunt found no fault in brigade's actions. Brigade increased minimum response to commercial buildings to two pumps, any suggestion of fire, three pumps. Loss estimated £500,000.
