FIRE SPREADS FROM RUBBISH DUMP

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26854, 6 October 1952, Page 3

FIRE SPREADS FROM RUBBISH DUMP

HOUSES ENDANGERED AT STRATFORD

(New Zealand Press Association) • NEW PLYMOUTH, October 5. Four houses were in immediate danger when a strong wind swept burning sawdust off the Stratford rubbish dump in Celia street across the roadway on Saturday. Burning particles set fire to trees, hedges ferns, and lawns, but the Stratford Volunteer Fire Brigade prevented damage to any of the houses. . The brigade’s superintendent (Mr W. Brocklebank) had inspected the area on Friday, after receiving warnings from the residents that wind might cause danger to the houses, but it was not until the wind reached almost gale force that action by the brigade was necessary. The occupants of the four houses which are closest to the rubbish dump remained on watch throughout Friday night. When gusts of wind swept burning sawdust over the road on Saturday, vegetation on the south side of Celia street caught fire. ,A fire engine was called out.

By the time a start had been made in pumping water from the Patea river, the fire had a firm hold on trees, hedges, and grass, and a second fire engine was called.