SERIOUS FIRES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 91, 11 January 1929, Page 9

SERIOUS FIRES

SWEEPING LARGE AREAS IN NEW SOUTH WALES HOMES AND STOCK FEED BURNED FRANTIC APPEALS FOR HELP (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copy right.) Sydney, January 10. Serious fires are reported from *all parts of the State. The city itself is encircled by a complete ring of fires, and the damage will amount to many thousands of pounds. Eight homes were destroyed in Leumeah, in the Minto district. A fire is sweeping towards Ingleburn. The fires crept to within yards of the children’s ward at the Coast Hospital, and the Lane Cove Hospital was also in danger. A vehicle bridge over George’s River was destroyed. Three houses were destroyed at Milperra and the occupants escaped only in the clothes they were wearing. Fifteen square miles of country in the Baukstowu district were completely burnt out. A fireman collapsed in the flames, but was dragged to safety. Two women and four children had a remarkable escape from being burned to death, or suffocated, by a fire which raged around the military area at Holdsworthy. Finding themselves encircled by the flames, they locked themselves in the old gaol and were almost suffocated when released. The fire swept over an area of thousands of acres. Adelong is sending frantic appeals for men to help subdue the fire, which is sweeping towards the town. Graziers are frantically mustering stock. Two stations have been destroyed. The excessive heat precludes work until night time. TWO DEATHS FROM HEAT Sydney, January 10. Yesterday’s heat was responsible for two deaths. Several persons collapsed. WELCOME COOL BREEZE MAJORITY OF FIRES UNDER CONTROL (Rec. January 10, 9.45 p.m.) Sydney, January 10. Welcome relief to-day from the great heat was brought by a cool breeze from the sea. The highest temperature reading to-day was 81 degrees. The majority of the bush and scrub fires are either extinguished or under control.