Sprinklers Douse Fire at Widener

A barrel or rags burst into flames in Widener basement about 8 p.m. last night, but automatic sprinklers doused the blaze before any damage was done.

Two Cambridge fire department engines, summoned automatically, pulled into the Yard at 8:05 p.m., but firemen had nothing to do but turn off the sprinklers and mop up water.

Chief William F. Jeff attributed the blaze to welding equipment stored in the basement since the afternoon. Workmen installing air-conditioning equipment had used several welding rods, he said, and inadequately disposed of them.