THE GRASS FIRE MENACE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24123, 6 December 1943, Page 6

THE GRASS FIRE MENACE

SPECIAL DANGER THIS SEASON HELP OF SCHOOLS BEING SOUGHT The active co-operation of all schools in the measures to be taken to prevent grass fires this summer is being sought by the Canterbury Rural Fire Prevention Committee, Teachers are being asked to inform the children of the danger, which is expected to be greater than usual this season because of the heavy growth of grass, and to encourage them to help in the prevention, detection, and suppression of fires. In a circular to teachers the committee emphasises the additional fire hazard this season and says that more than ordinary care will be required if damage to crops, plantations, and farm property is to be avoided. As the war Is creating a serious shortage of food, every care should be taken to protect the country’s crops. The necessity of making sure that picnic fires are lit only in safe conditions and that the fires are extinguished by stamping out or by water is to be brought to the notice of the children, and the circular emphasises that in no circumstances should a fire be lit when strong winds are blowing. A spark from a picnic fire may be carried hundreds of yards and cause a disastrous outbreak. , . . The procedure in the notification of outbreaks is outlined, the local postmaster or telephone exchange officer being the "key man” in the system. Any person detecting a fire that cannot promptly be extinguished with the help at hand should hurry to the nearest telephone and inform the exchange. The exchange will notify the fire wardens and send out an alarm to all subscribers in the vicinity.