FIRE DANGER

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 24

FIRE DANGER

COUNTRYSIDE PARCHED , APPEAL TO MOTORISTS AND CAMPERS "The Automobile Association (Canterbury), Inc., joins with the Forestry Department and others in emphasising the urgent necessity of keeping the parched up countryside free from destructive grass and. bush fires/' says the latest safety first message of the association. "The continued period of dry weather," the message adds, "makes it of the greatest importance that campers and picnickers should exercisej the strictest vigilance with fires, to matter where the camping or pic nick- j ing place may be. The countryside:is ; as dry as tinder, and any carelessness with camp fires may lead to enormous damage involving pasture, bush, fences, buildings, stock, and possibly human lives. In the forest areas where the land has been planted after years of work and at much expense irreparable damage might be done by fire.

"Not only is there danger from camping or picnicking fires, but also from the cigarette end thrown thoughtlessly from a motor-car into the dry grass by the roadside. Be careful in travelling as well as at the camping place. Use recognised official fireplaces and make .sure that all live embers are covered up or otherwise made harmless."

The Automobile Association, Canterbury, has received a ccmmumoaauu from the Selwyn Plantation Board, pointing out the abnormal dangers arising from the dryness of the countryside, and asking the co-operation of all members of the association. The letter remarks that approximately 15,000 acres of territory, half of it planted, comes under the control of the Plantation Board; a fire would cause immense damage, not only to the board's plantations, but also to adjoining farming properties, at a time when any loss could ill W afforded.