GRASS FIRES

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 26, 31 January 1924, Page 3

GRASS FIRES

VALUABLE WINTER FEED DESTROYED.

(BT IBLEORAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION.} '. MASTERTON, 30th Januaryj The lighting of a fire by some youths on the river bed of the Waingawa River •about midday to-day was responsible for one of the most extensive and destructive grass fires that have occurred in this district. The blaze spread rapidly to the properties of Messrs. J. Montgomery and J. A.'Betts, and, assisted by a growing breeze, the progress of the fire, which was startling in its rapidity, arrested the attention of five other settlers whose places were all threatened. Volunteer helpers gathered to cope | with the outbreak, and succeeded in averting the destruction of the houses, though two outbuildings on one farm were destroyed. An unfortunate aspect of the loss is that some of the farmers had paddocks shut up for winter feed and have lost the lot. Mr.. Montgomery lost 80 acres and Mr. Betts 40. The losses include plantations, pasture, and fences. The area swept is estimated at between 300 and 400 acres. ■