BUSH-FIRES

Evening Post, Volume CI, Issue 17, 20 January 1921, Page 7

BUSH-FIRES

A WARNING TO TRAMPERS

A bush fire is easily started, and may be stopped only with difficulty, often afteV irreparable damage has been done. The Tararua Tramping v Club is an organisation which appreciates the beauty and value of the bush. It does more. It takes somVpains to preserve the trees. The following circular, which has been issued by the club to it 3 members, may be read with profit by picnickers and others, who probably need the warning much more t&an the trampers:— " FIRES.—SPECIAL WARNING: "It is particularly desirable that in matters of tramping and , out-o'-doors our club shall draw upon itself no reproach, but shall be an example to all in propel' I behaviour. Our book of rules and hints covers much of the ground of outdoor conduct; but, owing to recent happenings at Eastbourne and elsewhere through carelessness, we think it advisable to give more specific instructions with regard to fire lighting. Wo feel confident that every one of our members will heed these hints by our chief guide, and insist upon their observance by others. "A necessary fire for boiling the billy, etc., can be safely lit and result in lio possible damage, if the following hints are observed: (1) Never light a fire where it can spread, and remember thsit fire often runs by means of roots, etc., quite long distances underground. (2) If possible, build your fire close to your water supply, and.away from logs, tunsock, or other inflammable material. A stony or sandy patch offers one of the best sites; but if you must make your fire on soil, first clear a patch from grass, etc., then roof up the soil well in the form of v- circle, building the fire in the hollow of the middle. In hot, dry wen- j ther, such as at present, make the circle at least 3ft. in diameter, and saturate the outer rim with water. (3) A small fire well built, even in cold weather, is all you need, and is more comfortable than a large blaze. (4) When the fire is dona with, soak the embers and surrounding ground with water, using more than you think essential; so that no spark is left that can be fanned into a blaze. If water is not available, stamp on and flatten out the embers or unburnt wood, and smother with soil. Be particularly careful in high winds and in dry weather, and do not light a fire at all unless you can do so with absolute safety. (5) Smokers should not throw away matches, butts, or empty their pipes without making certain all firs is out. Broken glass and a bright sun will often start a- fire; no real tramper j . breaks bottles or leaves broken glass and rubbish lying about. • "It is a poor reward to the owner who allows you to tramp his property, to destroy his feed, bush, or shrubs, and every gelf-respe,cting tramper will see to it that no such happenings can occur owing to his or her carelessness."