FOREST FIRES

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1944, Page 6

FOREST FIRES

Rotorua and Taupo DANGER IN TARAWERA AREA P.A. AUCKLAND, Jan. 7. The serious menace created by fires in the Tarawera area on Thursday were commented on bv the Conservator of State Forests, Mr W. T. Morrinon, in the Rotorua district, to-day. The fires spread from Tarawera Lake eastward, seriously threatening the tearooms at Tewairoa. and at. one stage were within 20 feet or the building. The occupiers of the building had to hurriedly remove furniture from the store and dwelling, but as the fire was burning among trees and scrub on the left hand side or the road, it was possible to check its course. , ' Mr Morrison said that danger stid existed at Tarawera, bu the flames at the present time were under control, with only two or three small patches burning. It depended on the wind, as a change could cause an outbreak. In addition to the tearooms, several Tourist Department hutments were in danger, but these also were saved. A fire fighting crew was standing by together with members of the Army in the event ot any further serious outbreak. The fires in the Taupo area were under control to-day.