DISASTROUS PEAT FIRES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 292, 10 December 1925, Page 6

DISASTROUS PEAT FIRES.

SPREADING ON THE PLAINS.

INCREASING IN VIGOUR.

FLAX AREAS THREATENED

(By Telegraph.—Special to " Star.")

PAEROA, this day.

The peat fires on the Hauraki Plains continue to increase in vigour. It is estimated that from 10,000 to 15,000 acres have been burned. The fire commenced on Friday near Eawerawe Road, and spread in a north-westerly direction to beyond Torehape. Fires are being lighted to burn up into the wind and act as fire breaks. Flax land at Torehape had a narrow escape, despite flooding, and the burning of fire breaks. Fingers of fire reached the growing flax, and it appeared nothing would save it, but the wind changed, and a heavy shower of rain fell.

On Monday the fire was down to Pouarua Road, at the corner of Torehape Road, and was sweeping down the northern side of Torehape Road towards Puhanga Canal. Should the fire cross the other road Mr. Smerle's growing flax will almost certainly be destroyed unless there is another miracle, such as happened at Torehape. Mr. Smerle has a big area of land covered with dry titree, which has been rolled down to prepare the land for flax planting, and this would ignite easily from flying sparks.

Many fires ahead of the main fire have been started by flying pieces of burning fern.

On the whole the peat is not burning deeply; in some places it has only burned down a few inches, and probably in no place has it burned more than three feet down.

All grass and scrub is being burned, and the country now appears as flat as a table to the horizon.

Mr. J. Kidd, Lands Department overseer, found himself in. an unexpected dilemma during the course of his duties on Friday. After walking about to observe the extent of the fire and damage he found his route cut off. Several other routes were tried, but they all led to fire. Eventually he made his way out by a devious route and by walking in a drain.