DISASTROUS BUSH FIRES

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 67, 13 December 1926, Page 8

DISASTROUS BUSH FIRES

GREAT DAMAGE IN NEW SOUTH WALES NARROW ESCAPES FROM DEATH GLOWING STORIES OF HEROISM Sydney, December 11. Bush fires in the west and southern districts continue to rage fiercely. In many cases they are out of control, but men and women are fighting the flames valiantly under extreme* ly trying conditions. Many narrow escapes from loss oi life are reported. One man at Bethungra was trapped and his clothes were burnt off him. He is in a critical condition. Children attending the Daroobalgie school were endangered, but womenfolk held the flames in check until assistance arrived from Forbes. Fires raging around Alectown threaten to destroy the town. Fires in the southern districts covered extensive areas, but owing to the dislocation of communications their full extent is not known. Settlers and their wives in the vicinity of Gundagai left their homes with their children and a few valuables. Several dwellings were burnt. Fires around Goulburn are described as the worst in the history of the district. Many homesteads were burnt, and much stock destroyed. The township of Marulan is surrounded by flames whose heat is so great that fighters are unable to approach within a hundred yaids of them. Food supplies and firefighters are being rushed from Goulburn. At Tarlo and Roslyn the position is also serious. As much as 10s. an hour is being offered in some parts for fire-fighters. The town of Coolamon was saved after ’a desperate struggle. During yesterday the fire brigades attended 99 fires in the suburbs of Sydney, a record. The maximum temperature was 103.9 degrees, which was the highest temperature recorded this season. A southerly during the night brought a slight relief, but conditions are still very muggy, A continuance of the hot weather is predicted. HEAVY LOSSES (Rec. December 12, 5.5 p.m.) Sydney, December 12. Disastrous bush fires are raging in all parts of the State. Many settlers have been burned out, and vast areas of grass, standing crops, bagged wheat, machinery, and fencing have been destroyed. Some districts report severe losses of stock. Glowing stories are told of the firefighters, including women, and their endurance and heroism in attempts to stay the spread of the flames and to rescue threatened families. Numerous sensational narrow escapes are reported. Owing to the protracted spell of hot dry weather, the fire is the worst for years. Be prepared. See that you have adequate fire insurance. Consult the Mercantile and General Insurance Co., Ltd., Panama Street, Wellington.— Advt.