The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1946. PUBLIC CARE NECESSARY TO PREVENT FIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21933, 30 January 1946, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1946. PUBLIC CARE NECESSARY TO PREVENT FIRE

npilE continued dry weather and the grave shortage of water

make it imperative for the citizens of Gisborne to exercise every care and he vigilant against tire. It is a hazard which is ever present, but especially so to-day. Despite the skill and the equipment of the Eire Brigade, the circumstances are such that it would he extremely difficult to control a major outbreak in the business area or in the environs of the town where there arc expanses of long grass. Damage to public and private property amounting to thousands of pounds is conceivable. There arc many simple precautions which can he taken against fire. For example, the occupants of promises in the business area are urged to detail a member of the staff to inspect their building before closing time. Many firms arc already doing this. To make doubly sure some are switching off power at its source in ease some appliance lias inadvertently been left switched on. Cigarette butts and the knocked-out remains of a pipe are also common causes of lire, especially if there is paper or dry grass nearby. Concern has frequently been expressed at the present shortage of water for fire-fighting purposes. The pressure in the mains is low and careful preparations have been made for the use. of river water. Gisborne is fortunate in having excellent pumping gear and ample fire-lighting hose. But .10 to 15 minutes may elapse in some cases before this can be coupled up and brought into action. Combined with a late discovery of fire, the difficulties of the brigadesman would be increased tenfold. °The recent increase in the number of grass fires is disturbing. The lighting of these fires is costing the ratepayers £2O a day and over fib per cent of them, it is stated, have been caused by carelessness. This is the view of the superintendent of the Fire Brigade, Mr. J. W. Kane, whose men have been called out to 11 grass fires in the past fortnight. . t . Gisborne has reason to be proucl of its scenic attractions which have been so painstakingly developed during the past decade. These attractions, apart from the pleasure they give local citizens will, it is hoped, assist greatly in Gisborne’s development as a tourist resort. At present they are in danger. . Some of the plantations of trees, it will be observed, have thick undergrowth as dry as tincler and it is difficult to imagine how a fire in them could be extinguished before irreparable damage bad been done. On Monday only the vigilance of picnic parties prevented a serious fire from occurring at Wainui Beach. T estcrclay a change of wind and a lire which was started at Kaiti Beach could have engulfed the cottages there and the plantation of trees on Kaiti Hill. These are trees which have taken years to grow. _ . This appeal for the utmost care is addressed to all citizens. They arc asked to safeguard their own property, public and private. By taking special care it is hoped that serious loss will be avoided.