RAETIHI FIRES

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 112, 5 February 1926, Page 8

RAETIHI FIRES

EXTENSIVE DAMAGE CAUSED Reports which have been received show that the log fires which broke out at Raetihi on January 22 did extensive damage. Three fires sprang up on January 22, all of which might have caused very serious damage, but for the fact that very heavy rain commenced to fall at 6 p.m. Weather conditions were riot particularly favourable for burning, and the fire danger was not considered at all high; but what was probably the worst gale experienced since 1918—the year of the big Raetihi fire —sprang up on January 22, and, favoured by this, a large number of apparently harmless log fires spread with amazing rapidity over an extensive area of farm lands and old sawmill workings. One fire started from a charcoal-burn-er’s pit on the railway reserve, a mile north of Pokaka Station, and spread through Pokaka, endangering a considerable number of buildings, a store, and, to a certain extent, Cowern’s sawmill. The rain prevented any serious damage being done. Logs were still burning on January 23 over an area of several hundred acres, and a further gale might easily have caused serious damage. Sparks from sawmill locomotives and log-haulers started a fire near the south corner of the Urewera. The fire spread and burned over approximately 300 acres of old workings. Damage to Carter’s tramway and bridges was extensive, and was estimated at £lOOO by Mr. Milligan, manager for Mr. F. J. Carter. The boundary of the scenic reserve was scorched, but otherwise the green bush appeared to have been very little damaged. Three old sawmill cottages were burned. Be prepared. See that you have adequate insurance on your house and furniture. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd., Panama Street. It is a local company with all its capital invested in New Zealand, therefore prompt settlements. —Advt.