Bush Fires Still Burning Despite Light Fall Of Rain

Press, Volume C, Issue 29415, 18 January 1961, Page 15

Bush Fires Still Burning Despite Light Fall Of Rain

(From Our Own Reporter) GREYMOUTH, January 17. A light fall of rain on Monday night was much welcomed by those engaged in firefighting in the Inangahua and Nelson Creek districts.

The atmosphere was cooler today after ,2in of rain, but a light breeze was still keeping fires alive.

Mr A. N. Taylor, chief fire equipment officer, Wellington, and Mr A. Baysting, fire equipment officer, Nelsen, arrived at Reefton yesterday, and will carry out a hydroblend experiment today. The object of the experiment is to extinguish fire on the peaty forest floor by the use of chemicals. All available hands are being used, and the general situation is improving.

The fire at Rotokohu, which was previously burning over a 1000-acre front, is now under control, but today was not quite out

Water was still being carted to the fire, with operations aided by walkie-talkie radio sets lent by the Army. Mr E. E. Ensor, the district forest officer, said that the ,2in of rain on Monday night had not helped to any great extent.

A residents’ meeting at Nelson Creek on Monday night decided to bulldoze firebreaks round the township, even though the bush fire which raged for two days appeared to be almost out. The small amount of rain which fell on this area on Monday night was sufficient to damp the scrub and bush, and has helped to remove the danger of further outbreaks. There was still a little smoke about today, however, and residents were apprehensive of another fire starting.

In addition to the bulldozing proposed by the Nelson Creek residents, the Canterbury Education Board has decided to take similar steps at the local school where a firebreak will be bulldozed.

A former school at Nelson Creek was destroyed by fire a few years ago. The rainfall in Greymouth on Monday night was only 18in, which was little more than sufficient to “lay the dust.” The position of house-

holders who depend upon rain water in tanks on their roofs has not been alleviated, and calls are still being made on the Grey County Council for the cartage at supplies to these premises. Gardeners are awaiting a good downpour, and most of them consider 48 hours' rain would not be too much. Bowling greens would also benefit greatly from a good, steady rain, more especially in view of the West Coast Bowling Centre’s annual fours championship early next month.