Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1938. THE FIRE MENACE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 85, 20 January 1938, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 1938. THE FIRE MENACE.

Though the Ashburton County has up to the present experienced sufficient rain to save it from the danger of grass and plantation fires Jo the extent that has been the case in some previous years at this period, the fact that a spell of hot weather may be expected at any time brings into prominence the necessity for the exercise of great care so that fires may not be started. The very conditions that have operated to minimise the danger so far will bring about a greater menace when the usual summer heat sets in. The rank growth caused by the recent rains will then dry, affording a medium for the rapid and wide spread of fire. The County Council, though it endeavours to remove, as far as its powers permit, the conditions that constitute the menace, finds a serious work in_ coping 'with actdab firesbi.Tt, everything in train to cope with an outbreak, and the experience of the past may be expected to yield good results so far as organisation and efficiency goes. The responsibility for seeing that danger does not arise rests, however, in the end, with the individual, whose duty to the community requires that he take every precaution against untoward happenings. The principal source of danger lies with motorists, picknickers and others who have no personal knowledge of what a plantation or gorse fire means. An act of thoughtlessness in the throwing away of a burning match, a cigarette or cigar butt, or the lighting of a fire by the roadside or in a plantation may result in considerable loss, in the destruction of valuable trees, crops and pastures, together with homes and other buildings. The possibility of a fire, apparently harmless when lit, spreading beyond control, shoiild always be borne in mind. A sense of duty to one’s fellows should ensure avoidance of risky acts. The danger of loss and damage, in the height of summer will always be considerable even with the exercise of the most scrupulous care, and every possible precaution should be taken to reduce the chances to a minimum, or, better still, all chances should be avoided.