RESORT THREATENED

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 121, 15 February 1935, Page 13

RESORT THREATENED

Scrub Fire at Foxton Beach HOUSE DESTROYED Dominion Special Service. Foxton, February 14. Flames travelling rapidly in a westerly direction, fanned by a strong easterly wind, and reaching a height of thirty feet as they swept over firry acres of dry lupin and grass, endangered the whole of the houses on Foxton waterfront yesterday. One house was destroyed, and it was only through the efforts of a hundred beaters recruited from the seaside and Fcxton combining with the Foxton Beach anil Foxton Fire Brigades that the resort was saved. The fire broke out from some unknown cause at 3.30 p.m., and within half an hour thirty acres of scrub was a burning inferno, sweeping down on the houses. Beaters could not cheek its approach until it licked the wails of tlie houses Here breaks had been hastily dug and volunteers worked feverishly regardless of heat and smoke Rabbits and hares ran squealing from the inferno, but many perish ed in the flames. One dwelling, un occupied, and belonging to Mr. A. Ross, was lost, it being impossible to approach it as it lay in the centre of the fire.

Beach residents hastily removed their belongings, which were piled up on the beach, the scene being reminiscent of the Napier earthquake. Dozens of cars lined tlie beach containing spectators

Two beaters, Mr. W. Wells and Mr. E. Shortt, were cut off in the tire, and had an unenviable experience. They had to make a dash through the flames to safety. The beach brigade had to keep watch all night and had to quell several minor outbreaks.