TOWNSHIP MENACED BY FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 25, 31 January 1928, Page 9

TOWNSHIP MENACED BY FIRE.

SAVED AFTER HARD FIGHT,

SCRUB BURNING FIERCELY.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

The township of Murcliison was in preat danger yesterday from a fire which broke out in the Domain Reserve in the vicinity of several houses, and also the Young Men's Institute and the local school.

The outbreak was caused by a small fire lighted by a man living near the back of the Domain. Getting out of control and fanned by a light wind the flames took a quick hold with a wide face running in two directions.

It looked as if nothing could stay the progress of the fire, and all buildings in the vicinity were in immediate danger. Volunteer workers rushed to the scene and, with only wet sacks and a few buckets of water, attacked the flames.

The dry grass, fern and blackberries were up to 6ft high in places, and the heat was terrific. Where possible, firebreaks were made, and after an hour's herculean effort, the fire was got under control. The whole township being as dry as tinder, it was due only to the efforts of the volunteer fire brigade that it was saved. * In the afternoon more safety breaks were made. Burning stumps were a continued menace, and a watch was kept all night. A much stronger wind sprang up later in the clnv. and it was deemed fortunate that the fire was then under control, otherwise nothing could have saved the town.