DANGER AVERTED

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 92, 12 January 1939, Page 11

DANGER AVERTED

Hawke’s Bay Forest Fire

ANXIOUS NIGHT SPENT

River Saves Mill And

Settlement

DOM INION SFECIAL SERVICE. WAIPL’KURAU, January IL The danger to life and property ni rhe forest lirc in the Whakarara lulls passed during last night when it became apparent that the fire was burning itself out. Once (be wind dropped and rain set in the.minds of settlers were eased. A survey will not be possible lor a few days, but the acres of timber uestroyed will represent a heavy loss. Portions of the mill tramline running into flte bush have been destroyed and also some logging equipment... It is believed by men working at the mill that the tire started from the ashes of a five lit to boil tea by a logging gang engaged in cutting timber in the bush about two miles out. When the lire reached its height residents of nearby districts became alarmed and preparations were made to give assistance if necessary. Hundreds of people came from surrounding homesteads, even from as far away as Waipawa and Waikurakurau, warned by the glow that lit the sMArmed witli beaters of various kindr-, they fought a losing light throughout the* night. The smoke was so dense that it was impossible to see more than a hundred yards as the blaze spread. Later, when it became apparent that the fire was burning itself out and the possibility of its crossing the river was remote, mill employees and families did not. pursue further precautions. . The buildings were saved from certain destruction by the Makahoro River, which provided a safety break between the blazing hillside and the hugp quantities of flaming timber and sawdust. It was reported this afternoon that all danger had disappeared. The settlement in AVhakarara is built round the mill and is situated in a deep hollow, with towering cliffs on every side. The road, which prpvldes the only exit descends into steeply-timbered country. Inhabitants in the hollow could easily be trapped. Had the fire once crossed the river, it would have endangered farms and homesteads for miles down the road. Danger Spots Guarded.

Near the river bank there is u huge sawdust field, the accumulation of probably 30 years of milling. Members of the in ill slatt spent a day and night watching this, as sparks, blown across the river might easily have brought disaster.

Another danger was that the Hames might at. any time have leapt across lowed down the river and swept up behind the settlement. A band of helpers stood guard nt. likely spots and extinguished several outbreaks.

From the mill the tramlines run over n long bridge and up the opposite hillside into the heart of the bush. Up this track hoses were run out from the mill. Firefighters worked in constant danger but not much could be done.