FRESH FIRES

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 25 February 1926, Page 9

FRESH FIRES

IN VICTORIAN BUSH.

SEVERAL SETTLEMENTS MENACED STRONG GALES AID FLAMES. BY GABLE—PRESS ASSOCJ ATION—COPYRIGHT. Received Feb. 25, 12.40 p.m. MELBOURNE, Feb. 25. A strong northerly gale was .responsible for a recurrence of bush fires in several centres of the State. .Meagre details have been received, and it is not known just now how serious the fires are. A report from King Lake, however, states that the situation there is serious. Fire swept down on the town, which is a fairly large settlement about 25 miles north-east of Melbourne. Practically the whole town was wiped out, except, the Post Office, in which 40 people took refuge, and which was entirely surrounded by flames. It is believed that tho<fe who sheltered there are safe.

The fire is burning on a 12-mile front. The settlement of Glenburn, 10 rni'es south, is surrounded, but it is thought it will be safe for the time being. Queenstown is also endangered, and the women and children have been ordered away. Another fire is reported at Glenlyon, and is sweeping southwards towards a sina'l settlement named Little Hampton, which at present is in imminent danger. An outbreak has occurred in the Ankie Range, near Geelong. Between 2000 and 3000 men are fighting it, hub with little success.

A message from Lome says Airev’s Inlet is threatened by a- fire sweeping southward from the Otway Ranges. Settlers in the line of advance have left their homes. It is thought several houses have been destroyed already.