Fire
It is believed that the fire started in a storage area underneath the depot, although the cause has never been fully determined. Around 7:30 pm depot staff were alerted by nearby residents who had noticed sparks falling from under the depot. Staff first secured the depot's cash in the depotmaster's car and then attempted to drive some trams out of the depot. Three trams were rescued before the fire cut the power to the depot. Firefighting was hampered by very low water pressure. As the fire progressed, burning trams periodically crashed through the weakened floor to the ground below. When it became obvious that the building could not be saved, firefighters concentrated on ensuring the fire did not spread to neighbouring homes. The fire, fuelled by tyres, oil and grease stored under the depot, was visible from many areas of Brisbane.
Read more about this topic: Paddington Tram Depot Fire
Famous quotes containing the word fire:
“The true preacher can be known by this, that he deals out to the people his life,—life passed through the fire of thought.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)
“Oh! joyous hearts! enfired with holy flame!
Is speech thus tasseled with praise?
Will not your inward fire of joy contain:
That it in open flames doth blaze?
For in Christ’s coach saints sweetly sing,
As they to glory ride therein.”
—Edward Taylor (1645–1729)
“My paternal grandmother would not light a fire on the Sabbath and piled all Sunday’s washing-up in a bucket, to be dealt with on Monday morning, because the Sabbath was a day of rest—a practice that made my paternal grandfather, the village atheist, as mad as fire. Nevertheless, he willed five quid to the minister, just to be on the safe side.”
—Angela Carter (1940–1992)