FIRE THREATENS DRIED FLAX

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29401, 31 December 1960, Page 15

FIRE THREATENS DRIED FLAX

Minor Outbreaks On Wharf Dried flax fibre valued at about £l6OO narrowly escaped destruction by fire at North Beach, Westport, late on Thursday afternoon. The Westport Fire Brigade made an excellent save just as the fire had spread to the flax line from a nearby area of gorse. Some flax had actually caught fire but the brigade suppressed that outbreak with water pumped from the tender’s tank. It was about an hour, however, before the major blaze in the gorse was brought under control. and the brigade had to stand by for a time to ensure no further outbreak.

At 1.15 p.m. yesterday, the brigade was called out again to an outbreak in a coal bin on the crane wharf. The fire was soon brought under control, but some of the wharf timbers were charred.

At 3.50 p.m. the brigade was again called out, for the third time within a little more than 24- hours, to another fire on the crane wharf. It was quickly extinguished, and little damage done. The cause of the two wharf fires is not known. Gorse Fire Threatens House The brigade was called out to a third alarm yesterday, and the fourth in 24 hours, to a large area of gorse in the vicinity of North Beach. When the brigade arrived the fire had a strong hold and threatened to spread to many adjacent houses. i . At one stage the fire was spread over an area of five acres and the brigade had a hard task to bring it under control. Eventually, after two hours and a half of work, the area was made safe. The brigade, consisting of volunteer members, many of whom are businessmen, had had quite an arduous time in the 24hour period. Its quick response in answering calls had prevented at least two crises. The Chief Fire Officer of the Westport brigade (Mr W Phibbs) has appealed to all persons to refrain from lighting fires for any purpose where they can possibly spread to dry growth, especially in the residential areas. The Buller district is very dry after a long period of hot weather, with no sign of rain setting in. Those who have organised the gala to be held at Carters Beach during the week-end. and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display this evening are hopeful that the good weather will continue, but farmers would appreciate some relief as crops have been drying up and a shower or two of rain would be welcomed Visitors continue to pass through Westport in greater numbers than last year. Most of them are camping out of doors in the warm sunshine, but the motor camp at Carters Beach has been almost fully booked, and in addition to using the comfortable huts many persons in the camp area are living under canvas. Visitors to the beach are much impressed with the splendid surfing. j . Many persons are camped at Waimarie, it the mouth of the Mokihinui river, where there is good fishing, and in every little nook and cove on the coastal road between Westport and Greymouth, camping parties are established.