FIRE DANGERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 5, 7 January 1944, Page 4

FIRE DANGERS

The exceptional spell of hot, dry weather has enabled the public to make the most of the holiday season. Unfortunately, it has also greatly increased fire hazards. The fire which swept through a large area of scrub behind York and Mahina B,ays yesterday, by far the most serious of a long series of outbreaks during the past few weeks, and the bush fires which have | been raging in the Taupo area for the best part of a fortnight, emphasise the need for the greatest possible care. When growth has been burnt dry it takes very little to start fire which, if not quickly checked, may lay waste a large area and may constitute a very serious threat to property and even life. Yesterday's fire in the eastern bays threatened \o destroy valuable native bush, and at one stage it appeared that the flames would reach residential areas. Thanks to the splendid efforts of the Lower Hutt Fire Brigade and the Point Howard Volunteer Fire Brigade, assisted by local residents,* these dangers jyere avoided.

but reports suggest that it was a narrow escape. In the Taupo area there has been some loss of personal property. If such outbreaks are to be avoided, the full co-operation of the public will be necessary. One of the greatest sources of danger is the dropping of lighted cigarette butts on the roadside. Labour shortages have prevented local bodies from keeping down growth on the roadside, and the dropping of an unstamped butt ov a lighted match may be the means of starting a fire of major proportions. Picnic parties should not light fires in danger areas, and even the fires lit in permissible places should be carefully extinguished before the parties leave. Gardeners should consider the possibility of turning rubbish into compost rather than burning it. By the exercise of care and* common sense, the public can greatly minimise the danger of fires.