New Britain herald., 1926-07-12
NAVAL OFFICIALS
 TALK EXPLOSION
Recall Similar Destruction
 Some Years Ago

Washington, July F CPl-The eX- plosion at the Lake Denmark naval arsenal was discussed today at a conference of all high naval officials in Washington with acting Secretary Robinson.
 Department officials are inclined to accept the theory that lightning bolt, striking building number s, was responsible for the disaster. The structure was a one story building of brick with a tar and gravel roof. It was protected by a double copper ground wire as a lightning arrester, but such protection against lightning has never been regarded by the navy as of much value on buildings con- taining explosives. Officials said that within the past three years the insurance association, after extensive explorations of the question, decided it was of little use to install rods on munitions magazines.
 The navy had similar experience at the Indian Head powder factory some years ago, when an explosion was attributed to a lightning bolt. Rear Admiral Joseph Strauss, for mer chief of ordnance, and then commanding at Indian Head, so re- ported to the department. In the case of Lake Denmark, Rear Ad- miral c. c. Block, the present ord nance chief believes the bolt set fire 10 the powder stored in building number s and that the intensity of the fire was sufficient to detonate the explosives, wrecking the roofs Of nearby storehouses. Fragments from the burning buildings, carried by the wind or thrown by the force of succeeding blasts. probably fell into the unroofed buildings setting them afire in turn.
 The Lake Denmark arsenal was established many years ago and the site was selected with greatest care, it was chosen because of its isola' ton from the civil population and a1o for its surface formation a num- Der of hills rising from 300 10 50O feet within the reservation. The numerous storage buildings were erected during the world war, but were placed about the hills and at various elevation levels as an addl- tional protection.
 In every case where there Wero two closely adjoining storehouses, one was designed to contain high eX- plosives and the other used for stor- age of non-explosive material.
 The Lake Denmark arsenal IS the major storage center for ammuhl- ton of the navy department, It con tained not only the large number ol anti-submarine depth bombs Whlch were removed from American des- trovers after the war, but largo sunnlv of loaded 14-inch shells These belong to the army, but were stored by the navy until the army had facilities for their care. Orlgl- nallv manufactured for the navy built railway guns used in Fral'ce' thev were transferred with the guns 10 the war department after the war
 The arsenal also contained large amount of ordinance equipment lh- clndinr many guns taken off Amcrl- ran merchantmen after the war. u also was the storage place or spe- cial machine tools and jigs and TX ,uras necessary for the equipment of gun manufacturing plants 1hese were used during the war 10 equ'p ordnance plants and were taNen hack by the navy after the war anu stored. as there was TO market u absorb them. .-,o,.
 The navy did not attempt today ,o estimate the total damage done although it was receiving reports on various phases of the disaster l'eu Cross headquarters was co-opera', , ing with the navy officials Tn reilel work. One telephonic report rom T. R. Buchanan, in charge or 1'eu Cross activities at Dover, said the number of civilians atectea was estimated at from 1000 to 5000. lie cave the number of persons known 10 be under treatment for lnJurlca at S6. ,..
 Secretary Davis Of the war depart nent. who returned to his desk today after d trip of inspection in the ai- fected area, estimated the damage to nearby army properties would not exceed s1,5O0.0Oo. His estimate was concurred in by Major General Clarence c. Williams, chief Of army ordnance. who has been anthori2cd to anpoint board Of officers to recommend essential affairs.
 II is expected here that the cNp'o- sion will compel the war and navy lepartments 10 face renewed d'- mands from New Jersey residents for removal from that state of large explosive stores. Some time ago senator Edge led delegation repre- scnting New Jersey communities Whc asked that the supplies be transfer red to sections of the country less thickIy populated. officials found they had no funds 10 finance tho removal.
 Secretary Davis said today he was without authority, even if the money were available, 10 change the ioca ton ot the army's New Jersey or dnance store. which was established on the authorization of congress.