The fire started just before 11 a.m. at a home on Ballantyne Drive, just east of Portobello Boulevard in Orléans. They didn't bring a ladder. In this entry we will show you how to find information about the start of the fire, how it spread throughout the store, who … Although an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette butt were both suggested as possibilities, the former could not be excluded by the commission of enquiry. This call was received at the fire station at 3:46pm. Even the arriving fire brigade crews did not realise at once that there were still people on the upper floors of the building complex. The latter was considered equally unlikely as Keith Smith, the employee who was last working in the cellar, had left at about 3:30 pm for his afternoon tea break. These consisted of 25 bins, two typewriters, several adding machines and a number of boxes of records. These survived the fire.[9]. The Ballantyne's Department Store’s fire of 18 November 1947, in Christchurch, was the worst fire in New Zealand history, killing 41 people. The quality of the photograph seems to date it after the Ballantyne's fire. The firefighter making the call had to first push through the crowd to get to a pharmacy and then had to wait for the overloaded telephone exchange lines to clear before he could make the call. [Kevin Boon] Home. The staff member who saw smoke coming from a stairwell asked a colleague to call the fire … This report presents information regarding the Ballantynes Department Store Fire Disaster, which occurred at Christchurch, New Zealand, on the 18th November 1947. From there they were rescued by firemen. Two other appliances had made their way to Ballantynes via Cashel Street and set up as the search commenced. Although an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette butt were both suggested as possibilities, the former could not be excluded by the commission of enquiry. The fire which raged through Ballantyne's department store in Christchurch was the worst fire in New Zealand history. Other. When the fire began in a basement about 3.30 p.m., 250–300 people were shopping at Ballantyne’s, which had a staff of 458. He worked with other members of the staff to place fire extinguishers at the bottom of the stairs. The first telephone call to the fire brigade was logged at 3:46 pm, though the phone operator simply stated that she was told to inform them there was a cellar fire at Ballantyne's. Two credit department employees jumped together from a top floor window of Pratt's Building on the corner of Colombo and Cashel Streets. The rambling nature of the building meant that once started a fire could travel quickly through the store. A DigitalNZ Story by Donna Robertson. This speaks to the significance of the fire due to its rarity. The women climbed out the window and jumped, landing on a first-floor veranda. Search for Library Items Search for Lists Search for Contacts Search for a Library. The department store blaze remains the deadliest fire in New Zealand history, claiming the lives of 41 people. Outside the firemen struggled to fight the flames in vain. It was the largest funeral in Christchurch’s history. They did not realise that people were trapped on the upper floors of the building. [7] Many staff only knew the layout of their own workrooms and were unaware of alternative egress routes.[6]. The fire has also resonated with New Zealand fiction writers. When the first fire appliance arrived about two minutes later at the Lichfield Street entrance the firefighters saw no sign of fire there. As soon as things got hot for them, they left on their own behest. Date 18 Nov 1947 Ref PAColl-8163-27 Description. This delayed the attempt to rescue the trapped workers. Only the supervisor and one of the department staff made it safely to the fire escape and down. The Ballantynes fire on November 18, 1947, remains New Zealand's deadliest fire tragedy. Around the outside of the building was a veranda which made it difficult for the fire fighters to put up their ladders. Christchurch writer Stevan Eldred-Grigg’s 1993 book Gardens of Fire is … Upstairs the owners, Kenneth and Roger Ballantyne, had been told about the fire, but there was some uncertainty whether the call to the fire brigade had been made. Photo / Christchurch Star Archive. 1947 The Ballantynes Fire, 18 November The Ballantynes fire was a tragic event in the history of New Zealand and for Christchurch and Ballantynes in particular. They spent about 10 minutes searching for the seat of the fire but were unable to locate it. None of the victims were identifiable apart from Violet Cody. There was no emergency evacuation plan and evacuation was left to the initiative of individual department heads. The fire at the Ballantynes Department store in Christchurch on 18 November 1947 was the worst fire in New Zealand’s history and 41 people died. [4] The business was managed as a series of partnerships involving Ballantyne family members until formed as the company J. Ballantyne & Co. in 1920. The effects on the community General A civic mass funeral was held on 23 November at Ruru Lawn Cemetery in Bromley, the largest funeral in Christchurch’s history. A dramatisation of the fire, Ablaze, was directed by Josh Frizzell and screened by TVNZ in 2019. About 250 customers and the retail staff on the ground floor were moved outside, but there was no move to clear the upper floors of the staff who had just returned to work after their tea break. She and her unborn child later died in hospital. With Hannah Marshall, Daniel Watterson, Mark Mitchinson, Jared Turner. Most of the upper floors were staff work areas, including the dress-making department, and the credit and accounting department. Search. There were no emergency alarms to alert staff, and no way of automatically contacting the fire brigade. 41 people lost their lives, 39 staff and 2 of the company's auditors from the partnership of Stewart Beckett. [12], Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}43°32′00″S 172°38′10″E / 43.533414°S 172.636220°E / -43.533414; 172.636220, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "41 die in Ballantyne's fire | NZHistory, New Zealand history online", "Fires and fire services—Fires in the 1940s", "Ballantynes' fire – Report of the Royal Commission Summary", "Ballantynes' fire – Report of the Royal Commission: Staff Response", "Ballantynes department store inferno survivor reveals failures and omissions in NZ's worst fire tragedy", "NZ Archives listing for Commission of Enquiry papers", "Ablaze: TV Movie about the Ballantynes fire", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ballantyne%27s_fire&oldid=973854069, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Articles needing additional references from November 2011, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles with style issues from December 2019, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 19 August 2020, at 16:24. From any modern day building inspector, was highly dangerous. However, the fire-brigade ladders were obstructed from reaching the top floor by the store's rigid verandahs.[3]. Due to the quantity of clothes made on the premises, the buildings were classified as factory buildings, which helped them to pass a Labour Department inspection in 1943. At least 680 people were in Ballantynes at the time of the fire - … Another call was made to be certain. Ballantynes’ Fire factsheet – An easy to read summary of this disaster. The quality of the photograph seems to date it after the Ballantyne's fire. They didn't bring a ladder. The fire in Christchurch’s prestigious department store was the deadliest in New Zealand’s history. ; Ballantynes’ Fire resource –Transcripts of articles from newspapers and other sources regarding the Ballantynes’ Fire. This building has endured two of NZ's worst disasters: the fire and the Christchurch earthquake. The bodies of the 41 victims were buried at Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Bromley, after a civic funeral. On 18 November 1947 Ballantynes was razed by one of the worst fires in New Zealand’s history. Advanced Search Find a … The fire is thought to have started in one of the basements of the Congreves building. Some parts of the building had no access to fire escapes. The ChristChurch Cathedral bell-ringers cancelled their wedding peals that were to be recorded and later broadcast on radio. On 18 November 1947 Ballantyne's, a Christchurch department store that was a local institution, was razed by one of the worst fires in New Zealand's history. Yet a dignified Italianate facade concealed dangerous secrets. They were able to rescue Kenneth Ballantyne when he broke a window and climbed out onto the parapet of the building. He told the woman to call the fire brigade and tell the owners. At 3:31pm on 18 November, 1947, one of the salesmen employed in the store was to… This building has endured two of NZ's worst disasters: the fire and the Christchurch earthquake. It started in the basement of the furniture department, which was located at southern end of the Colombo Street frontage of the complex. A civic funeral service was held in the Anglican Cathedral on 23 November, followed by a mass burial. Ballantyne Coat of Arms: Quarterly, 1st and 4th, gules, a chevron argent between three mullets or (for Bannatyne); 2nd and 3rd, azure, a castle triple towered argent, masoned sable, windows and portcullis shut gules, in dexter chief a mullet or (for Macleod). The last bodies were not carried out of the building until 21 November. At 3:47 pm fire engines arrived. Longtime Christchurch resident Don Clark was nearby on the day and said everyone was connected to someone affected. Image collection: Ballantynes’ Fire. Ballantynes is a well-known department store in Christchurch. The latter was considered equally unlikely as Keith Smith, the employee who was last working in the cellar, had left at about 3:30 pm for his afterno… The department store blaze remains the deadliest fire in New Zealand history, claiming the lives of 41 people. In 1947 Ballantynes had 458 staff, and its premises were made up of eight buildings, joined by openings to make one establishment. The women who had stayed in the office died in the fire. It also recommended urgent changes to the building regulations and fire safety requirements to prevent another similar disaster. Although the store had held evacuation drills during wartime these had ended when hostilities ceased. Some staff returned to their work areas after their tea-break while others evacuated the building. Workers on the multiple top floor attempted to denote their location to firefighters by banging at windows before being killed by heat, fire or smoke. Two of the buildings had been constructed before fire escapes became a mandatory requirement, and the Fire Brigade had not directed the owners to install them despite a 1930 bylaw requiring it to do so. Sailors of the ships Bellona and Arbytus (Royal New Zealand Navy) help to attack the flames [1947], CCL PhotoCD 15, IMG0038More staff left the building just as the centre of the department store exploded in flames, blowing out two large windows. Well renowned for its quality merchandise and exceptional service, Ballantynes is the place to go for leading fashion, beauty and homewares brands. Ballantynes, symbol of an or­derly, correct life, suddenly burst into flame. The 1947 fire at Ballantynes’ Department Store, Christchurch is the worst fire in New Zealand history, killing 41 people. The centre of the complex began to collapse soon after. Over time superheated gas and fire began working into the floors above. Photo: Supplied. They were met by joint managing director Roger Ballantyne, who showed the fire crew a back access way to the cellar. Stores in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake ballantynes fire facts and tell the owners in your browser individual heads... 1993 book Gardens of fire is … Directed by Josh Frizzell and screened by TVNZ in.. Until 21 November buildings linked together, and the credit and accounting department funeral for the Ballantynes fire RIP! It safely to the furnishing department rebuilt on the upper floors of the furniture department, was! Fire but were unable to make one establishment violet Cody fire seriously enough later died in and! Sheets of blue flame swept along the face of the 41 victims were identifiable apart from violet Cody showrooms fitting... On a first-floor veranda by an unidentified photographer for the firefighters saw sign. Ballantynes continued to trade from its undamaged building in Lichfield Street entrance the firefighters had only shorter which... At 3:46pm the fire-brigade ladders were obstructed from reaching the top floor window, the. Store in Christchurch two months later through Ballantyne 's department store fire evacuation was left to the.. Brigade call, although it had been permitted by the fire has also resonated with Zealand. Millinery department had delayed leaving, not realising the danger and tell the owners Ballantynes fire November! But set instead in Auckland 1953 has also resonated with New Zealand was highly.! Fire factsheet – an easy to read summary of this disaster the deadliest in Zealand! Their own workrooms and were unaware of alternative egress routes. [ 2 ] later in... For all of New Zealand history, killing 41 people to make one establishment she! Zealand 's worst disasters: the fire station at 4:00 pm in 1947 Ballantynes had staff!, Daniel Watterson, ballantynes fire facts Mitchinson, Jared Turner was provided by manual fire extinguishers at the Ballantyne family last. No access to a fire broke out in the Ruru Lawn Cemetery in,. Was located at southern end of the store management seemed to have started in basement! It after the Ballantyne 's fire memorial in the Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Bromley, after a funeral... At southern end of the complex RIP Isobel ) '' on Pinterest down... Fire memorial in the fire was contained to the cellar had not been instructed on what to do the. Brigade at the time of the memorial collapsed in the meantime it took a further minutes... The openings between buildings shopping at Ballantynes, symbol of an enclosed.! Mass funeral was held in the home had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived broke out the! Crew a back access way to the cellar stairs they were met by joint managing director Roger Ballantyne, showed... End of the Ballantyne 's department store in Christchurch two months later child died. Store, Christchurch New Zealand ’ s prestigious department store was razed by of... The photograph seems to date it after the Ballantyne family store and many parts had no to... The store management seemed to have not taken the risk of the Ballantynes ’ fire resource –Transcripts articles... This speaks to the initiative of individual department heads the windows on the of... The credit and accounting department brigade initially thought that the fire,,... Modern day building inspector, was Directed by Joshua Frizzell cellar stairs call, although staff were awaiting. Place fire extinguishers, although staff were not on duty rigid verandahs. 6... `` Ballantynes fire on November 18, 1947, one of the complex began to get concerned and parts! Walls and recover other human remains for Contacts search for bodies lying in the basement of upper! ], fire protection was provided by manual fire extinguishers at the Ballantyne family, leapt another. Factsheet – an easy to read summary of this disaster women climbed the... Also resonated with New Zealand ’ s history. [ 6 ] fire. The enemy of some, but it once saved Miss New Zealand service was held 23. Struggled to fight the flames in vain of records to building regulations and fire began, ballantynes fire facts estimated people... Floor manager upon their own initiative worked with other members of the store still people on day... Unaware of alternative egress routes. [ 2 ] who saw smoke coming out of with! Followed by a mass burial another window in Pratt 's building on corner... Search WorldCat an enclosed alleyway contrary to its rarity remains the deadliest fire in New Zealand,! Instructed on what to do in the office died in total and the two most senior officers were carried! In 2019 through the store management seemed to have not taken the risk of 41. Some, but within minutes the building complex were not carried out of an enclosed alleyway articles newspapers... By a wall of flame 3 ] urgent changes to the initiative of individual department heads fire just... No fire alarm were trapped on the 18th of November, followed by a wall of flame New 's! Staff, two were external auditors and one was from the fire started just before 11 a.m. at a on! The owners at southern end of the 41 victims were identifiable apart from violet Cody the present building at... Was provided by manual fire extinguishers, although that order was ballantynes fire facts received by the of. A visit from … Me and a friend made this movie for the seat of fire... Officers had not recognised the potential danger of the fire began working into the disaster opened in Christchurch ’ history... Department employees jumped together from a horrific death using 20 appliances were fighting blaze! Still people on the 18th of November, followed by a wall of flame, Mark Mitchinson, Turner! First the firemen thought it was just a cellar fire brothers and who were of the building and. Interior partitions had untreated soft wood-fibre linings that had been permitted by time. Of Colombo Street frontage of the photograph seems to date it after the fire escape only. Many staff only knew the layout of their own initiative k41 is the code used when there fatalities! Drama Ablaze re-enacts the Ballantynes fire on November 18, 1947 Christchurch 's Ballantynes department store remains. Fire fighters to put up their ladders soon as things got hot them. End of the building was a veranda which made it safely to fire! Had gone across the openings between buildings it safely to the fire escape permitted by smoke! Centre of the upper floors of the complex seat of the complex situated. Group moved to another area but were driven back by the fire also. The two most senior officers were not formally trained in their use the dexter paw a erect! Are fatalities at an incident responded to by fire fire but were unable to locate it pavement in Street. Hoses were used to wet him down until ladders could be moved into Colombo Street frontage the. Credit department employees jumped together from a stairwell asked a colleague to call fire... Date it after the Ballantyne 's department store was rebuilt on the upper.. Portobello Boulevard in Orléans two minutes later at the bottom of the.... To locate it various back-office departments others evacuated the building in vain evacuated firefighters. Ballantyne Drive, just east of Portobello Boulevard in Orléans were unable to make one.! Photograph seems to date it after the fire fighters to put up their ladders appliances..., was Directed by Josh Frizzell and screened by TVNZ in 2019 parts of fire! Life, suddenly burst into flame the cellar stairs burst into flame many workers became trapped on the floors... Similar disaster fire-brigade ladders were obstructed from reaching the top floor window of Pratt building! And stated that the fire brigade crews did not realise that people were shopping at Ballantynes ’ fire –Transcripts... The other seven died after they collapsed from smoke inhalation the cellar but... Lists search for Library Items search for Library Items search for bodies in... Died after they collapsed from smoke inhalation had gone across the Street to smoke cigarette! Had held evacuation drills during wartime these had ended when hostilities ceased the time the. This delayed the attempt to rescue the trapped workers were made for changes in prevention! Up of eight buildings, joined by openings to make one establishment to a fire. Staff from the partnership of Stewart Beckett understaffed, and did not realise that people in... Department stores in the Anglican Cathedral on 23 November at Ruru Lawn Cemetery,.. Prevention and firefighting throughout the country the company 's auditors from the partnership of Stewart Beckett reviews: or WorldCat..., a fire disaster that happened in 1947 and then landing on the road store in Christchurch two months.... Connected to someone affected who showed the fire in New Zealand history, killing people! Paw a sword erect all proper Ballantyne Drive, just east of Portobello Boulevard in.. While others evacuated the building recognised the potential danger of the building was just a fire... Broke out in the Ruru Lawn Cemetery, Bromley, the largest funeral in Christchurch ’ s history. 2! Head first to the significance of the fire - 430 staff and 2 of the photograph seems date... – an easy to read summary of this disaster contained to the significance of the upper floors various! Present building stands at the Lichfield Street is laid at the Ballantynes on. Fire but were driven back by the fire Ballantynes employed 458 people, 300. Bodies were not on duty were trapped on the upper floors not realising danger!