FIRE RISK HIGH

Press, Volume C, Issue 29702, 21 December 1961, Page 16

FIRE RISK HIGH

Forest Service Warning

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. A warning that this holiday season is one of the worst for fire hazards for many years was given today by Mr E. R. Blake, chief fire control officer for the New Zealand Forest Service He drew attention to reports from various parts of the country of water shortages and drought conditions, and the early sales of lambs in some districts because of the absence of feed. Mr Blake said extra care would be needed in Hawke’s Bay. Canterbury and Marlborough. However, there were numerous other districts where fire hazards were also great. “Long before the normal fire season, droughts were reported in different places." he said. “The country needs 2in of rain to remove the menace entirely and what chance have we of expecting that at the height of summer?” The position had eased in some areas just now, but rain had been mainly light. A light fall hardly eliminated the fire risk. “Take the Taupo area, where 48 hours of fine weather could wipe out the safety margin afforded by those showers,” said Mr Blake. “In some circumstances, the safety margin may be even less.”