GORSE FIRE IN CAPITAL

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29734, 30 January 1962, Page 14

GORSE FIRE IN CAPITAL

Timely Change Of Wind

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. January 29. A wind change almost certainly saved several houses from damage at Miramar today when fire raged through dry gorse and vegetation on Mount Crawford. The fire began at 2.30 p.m on the Evans Bay side of Mount Crawford. Fanned by a light northerly wind it jumped over the Shelly Bay road and on up to the top of the hill.

Five engines and about 40 firemen fought the fire. A home-owner at Maupuia road arrived back from work to find 30ft flames advancing towards his new house When the front ■of the fire was within 20 yards of the home, and creeping nearer to other houses, the wind changed to a southerly, and the fire began to burn back on itself.

But the wind change brought further dangers as the fire swung down to houses fronting Miramar road, on the far side of Mount Crawford The threat was averted when the fire was confined to the crest of the hill. An oil company’s property off Miramar North road was dampened at one stage during the battle;. Although the fire was brought under control by nightfall, firemen and pumps were kept in the area.