Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1933 - 1954), Thursday 20 January 1938, page 27


£4000 FIRE LOSS AT HOSTEL

Guests' Narrow Escape ADELAIDE, Wednesday.

Fire, early this morning, at the People's Palace Hostel, Pirie Street, conducted by the Salvation Army, caused damage estimated at £4000.

Forty-five guests sleeping on the first floor escaped in night attire down the main stairway and fire escape at the rear of the building. Many of them lost personal belongings. Afterwards the ceiling of the upper storey collapsed. Fifty of the 61 bed-rooms were damaged by fire and water. The upper storey was burned out. Firemen worked for two hours until they gained control of the flames, which were prevented from reaching the congress hall adjoining. The loss is covered by insurance. The fire is believed to have been caused by a smouldering electrical wire in the ceiling, the odour of which was noticed yesterday morning in one of the bed-rooms.