AF00167739 T&PH Ozone NRS-15318-1-[10-53014]-T213 - Flipbook - Page 5
RE FIRE AT OZONE THEATRE, BROKEN HILL.
Copy of report by Resident Country Inspector
N.O'Connell under date 2nd January, 1962 On Thursday, 28th Decenber, 1961, the Resident Country
Inspector visited Broken Hill concerning a fire at the Ozone
Theatre, situated at the corner of Blende and Chloride Streets,
Broken Hill, the call to which was received by local exchange
at 4.31 a.m. on Sunday, 24th idem at No.1 Station, Broken Hill.
The theatre building contained two sections, an indoor
and outdoor theatre, the indoor theatre being constructed of
timber framed and sheet iron walls with an iron roof, the outdoor
theatre having high walls of timber and sheet iron to surround
it, a prIssageway which led between the two sections for entrance
purposes separated the theatres. Each section was 120' x 90'
and the walls 10' in height.
A separate biograph box operated for each theatre and
the front of the whole theatre contained a foyer entrance and
kiosk which was lined with asbestos sheeting.
The indoor section was totally destroyed: the biograph
box, front foyer and offices were severely damaged by heat and
smoke. The outdoor section was severely damaged on the side
nearest the fire and the remainder, including the biograph box
and kiosk together with the walls, slightly damaged by smoke.
The screen and stage proscenium of the outdoor theatre was
damaged on the side nearest the fire.
As no other buildings adjoin the premises, with the
exception of the railway yards at the rear, it allowed the fire
to be isolated.
In a later discussion with Sergeant C.Dennett of the
Broken Hill Police it was established that the Police had patrolled
that section of the area approximately ten minutes prior to the
time of the call and no sign of fire was then visible. From this
it would appear that the fire must have been enclosed and on
breaking through spread rapidly.
Insurance representatives and Broken Hill Police are
satisfied that no suspicious circumstances govern the fire, the
origin of the fire being in the stage section of the indoor
theatre. The cause of the fire is unknown."
