GRASS FIRE IN HILL COUNTRY

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26796, 30 July 1952, Page 8

GRASS FIRE IN HILL COUNTRY

THOUSANDS OF ACRES BURNT STOCK LOSSES FEARED IN ORARI BASIN An extensive grass fire Which started oh Saturday night on Blue Mountain Station, the property of Mr a N. Buick oil the border of the Geraldine ahd Mackenzie counties, was Still burning last evening but had been brought under control. Starteu by burning-on operations, the fire has swept thousands pt acres of hill country, and it is believed that the Whole of the Orarl Basin and adjoining country has been burnt out. The fire became out of control when a strong wind sprang up. The rural fire brigade under the charge of the Mackenzie County fitfe warden (Mr T. Guinnessy) made an all-night attempt to bring the fire under control and a fresh breakout on Monday called for the services of staff from the Geraldine County Council, who left at an early hour in charge of the foreman (Mr S. T. Ellis). Most Of the country burnt out is S razing land, but in some places the re roared across the snowline. The James got a hold on many acres of six-foot snow grass, burning it off the top. and they were followed by a second fire through the base. At one stage on Sunday night the fire fanned across an eight-mile front. On Monday Volunteers were kept busy burning fire breaks on a large scale to Mlow the fire to burn itself out. Meh from the Blue Mountain Station and volunteers from neighbouring runs relinquished their fire fighting and spent the day musterin 1 sheep which were in danger Or had beeh Scattered by the flames. Those who had been fighting the fire since the wdek-end were reinforced by others on Monday, when it was reported that the homestead of Mr R. E. H. Beattie at Lochaber Station was endangered. For the last three days smoke has hung over the Geraldine district, and near Temuka a further cloud of smoke obscured a wide arch of the Sbutheth Alps. Stock losses are feared. Another fire was reported yesterday to have broken out adjacent to Burke's pass, but this has also been brought Under control and has done no damage. Because of the very dry conditions, the MackenSie CoUhty Council emergency committee has prohibited the lighting of all fires throughout the county,