PLANTATION FIRE AT BANKSIDE

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25328, 30 October 1947, Page 3

PLANTATION FIRE AT BANKSIDE

WORK OF VOLUNTEERS COMMENDED The way in which the community co-operated in putting out a fire this month in one of the Selwyn Plantations Board’s reserves was commended by board members when they met this week. The response to an appeal for fire fighters was considered a perfect example of the work of the voluntary organisation which has been fostered by the board and other local bodies. According to reports the fire started

at Tilson’s plantation, Bankside, either from a cigarette butt or match dropped by a workman in the area. Although the original outbreak was put out within half an hour, a spark was carried eight chains by a strong northwest wind into a section of timber, starting another fire, which was soon out of control. Thirty-five acres of 24-year-old insignis pine trees was burned, but of that total 26 acres of trees was wind-blown, and could prob-

ably be salvaged. The remaining nine acres of standing trees was hardly damaged. “The call for assistance, through the Dunsandel telephone exchange, brought more than 60 men and firefighing equipment from Burnham Camp, Selwyn sawmills, and Malvern County Council, as well as the Plantation Board’s own gear,” reported the board’s superintendent (Mr E. A. Cooney). “There was no water in the races, as they were turned off for cleaning, but the 2300 gallons taken to the fire was sufficient, and had it not been for the fire engines the fire would have crossed the break and burnt through another block of 109 acres.

“The cause of the fire is to be deplored. but the damage could have been extensive. As it is, provided/the 400,000 superficial feet of burnt timber can be salvaged, there will be no losses. The fire proved the value, not only of fire-fighting equipment, but also of men used to working under discipline guided by others experienced in plantation fires. The assistance of all concerned, especially a detachment of troops from Burnham, cannot be rated too highly.” Letters of thanks will be sent by the board to the various organisations that helped to nut the fire out.