FIRE AT HANMER.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20383, 2 November 1931, Page 4

FIRE AT HANMER.

MAIN PLANTATIONS THREATENED. For nearly eight hours u large body of volunteers from St. Helens Station, the Hanmer and the Balmoral plantations, together with employees of the State Forest Service, worked success fully to prevent a scrub and plantation fire, which swept a portion of the land near the State Forest Service plantations at Hanmer on Friday from spreading to the main forestry plantations, which cover over 10,000 acres. There was great excitement for a long period, during which the fate of the main plantation hung in the balance, but the tireless efforts of the -fire-fight-ers were successful and the danger was averted. It is stated that the fire was caused through an unfavourable nor'-west wind carrying sparks from n burningoff of scrub and tussock on St. Helens Station, and the flames were soon beyond the control of the employees on the spot. Two forest service employees were soon on the scene, and the alarm was raised. The dense columns of smoke attracted helpers from every place within range. Mr W. G. Morrison, conservator of State Forests in Canterbury and Otngo, was 111 district? and remained at' the scene of operations throughout. Relief workers, wlio are at present engaged thinning put larch trees, rendered splendid service. The fire commenced at 11 a.m., ana it was not under control until 3 p-»'-> while until dusk fires continued to break out in various sections. A guard was maintained throughout the mgnt to prevent further trouble. The danger was the strong wind, which blew the flames and dense smoke towards tne centre of the main plantations. Fiftv acres of young trees wore destroyed. .