The Strand Ablaze

The Strand Fire, Tauranga, 12/11/16, by Tarr Photo (G N Tarr)
Image courtesy of Tauranga Heritage Collection, Ref. 0248/09

This dramatic photograph, sold as a postcard, was taken on 12 November 1916 at approximately 2am as twelve buildings on The Strand, including the Commercial Hotel, burnt to the ground. A subsequent inquiry found that the blaze started at Joseph Bird’s fruit and confectionery store. The cause of the fire was unknown but, according to Superintendant Gumbley, almost certainly spread ‘due to the breaking open of the shop’s doors and windows.’ Fortunately the alarm was raised quickly and no lives were lost.