GREAT BUSH FIRES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 24, 29 January 1926, Page 7

GREAT BUSH FIRES.

VAST AREAS SWEPT. THE JEOPARDY OF CANBERRA. SYDNEY, January 28. Huge bush fires are raging beyond the Murrumbidgce. A strong wind is driving the flames toward the confluence of the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers. Should the fire cross the river the bush j around the Cotter dam, and the great j pine plantations on Mount Stromlo, will 1 be in grave danger. The future Federal capital. Canberra, will also be threatened. Volunteers from Canberra have been rushed to the scene of the outbreak. Fires are also raging in the Bathurst district. They have caused heavy damage. A message from Melbourne says that bush fires in the eastern ranges are causing extensive damage. Residents are fleeing before the flames. (A. and N.Z. Cable.) j I CANBEKEA SAFE. FIRES UNDER CONTROL. (Received 2 p.m.) SYDNEY, this day. The bush fire 3in Murrumbidgee district, which were threatening Canberra, are now under control, but the fire j fighters are remaining at their poats in ' case their services may be needed | further.—(A. and N.Z. Cable.) ADVANCE OF FIRE. OBSERVATORY THREATENED. SYDNEY, January 2S. The bush fires have now passed the Murrumbidgee. and are approaching the north-west of Mount Stromlo, on the slopes of which are pine plantations which cost huge sums. At the top is the j Commonwealth Observatory. Men are being gathered from all parts of the district and rushed to the scene.— (A. and X.Z. Cable.)