SUCCESSFUL FIGHT

Feilding Star, Volume 4, Issue 729, 11 March 1926, Page 8

SUCCESSFUL FIGHT

IVnSH FIRE STEMMED

(Press Association Telegram). Blenheim, March 10

A serious bush fire threatened last night to sweep two mills, huge stacks of sawn timber, and cottages of workers. As it was the residence of one, of l.he mill workers was totally destroyed*. The mills are situated in Tiiiline Valley, off Pelorus. The fire started at about 3 p.m. and the entire staffs of the mills turned out #o- -fight it. One man was overcome will, smoke. The fire was eventually stayed at 7 o’clock this morning after a contingent from Havelock arrived to aid the men. The mills were owned by W. Carr and Bryani? Bros. Details gathered from a -Havelock source- state that the fire started' yesterday afternoon at about three o’clock on the propery upon which the mills stand, and a change in the wind to nor’-west led to the fire getting out of control Fanned by this heavy wind, the flames bore down on the timber mills at: the-'roadside. The bush was burning fiercely and sending up great bil-* lowing volumes of smoke. The entire stall;; ot the two mills were turned out as a fire fighting force to do battle with the flames and proect the buildings. A whare belonging to Mr Gardiner fell a victim to the fire. As darkness fell the battle, was still in full swing, the fire appeared to have a stronger hold t.linn ever, and the gallant fighters were well-nigh cropping with exhaustion, whilst many were overcome with smoke.

Seeing that the mills would lie destroyed as well as the dwelliongs ot ninoi bn’fad red soifls oompripilngj the settlement, an urgent S.O.S. call for reinforcements sent out to the surrounding districts. With the burning of Coleman’s house, hoj;e of saving the mill itself was practically abandoned, hut a lulling wind* inspired the weary men, who renewed their efforts, and the progress of the flames was at last stayed at seven o’clock this morning. II; was fortunate that Dr. Clymont accompanied.-the Havelock contingent, to the scene .for lie was called upon to treat many eases ol burns and collapse. «