Ballantynes Fire

In 1947,on the 18th of November there was a big fire at Ballantynes. This is important event in Canterbury history because 41 people died.

Fire

At 3:31 the fire started in the cellar.One of the salesman was told by an woman employee there was smoke coming up the stairs.They made a 2 calls to the fire brigade one at 3.31 and another at about 

3.45.The fire brigade arrived at 3.47.A civic Funeral was held at an Anglican Church on the 23 of November 1947.

History

In 1854 Ballantynes was founded by Mr Davidson and purchased by John Ballantyne in 1872.In 1883 A Timaru branch was opened Then it moved to its current place in Timaru in 1913.

Earthquakes

Ballantynes was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake.But no one died in Ballantynes.They close the store but reopened it on the 29th of October 2011 after many $1000's we're spent modernizing the building.

Conclusion 

The Ballantynes fire was one of the worst fires in NZ history but they have rebuilt and still got a very nice and successful store.

By Jack

Room 11