GRASS FIRES AT OHAWE

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 18 January 1935, Page 6

GRASS FIRES AT OHAWE

Outbreak Threatens Dwellings in Education Reserve WIND VEERS IN TIME BOXTHORN HEDGES BURNED Whether by accident or as an act of mischief, three grass fires had their origin on the southern bank of the Waingongoro River near the Oliawe Beach settlement this morning and fanned by a boisterous westerly wind, the flames swept the nearby slopes over a wide area. For a time it was feared that the Education Reserve of 20 acres, with its score or more of holiday residences, would be in danger of complete devastation. By a trick of good fortune, however, the wind veered round more from the seaward side and carried the fires through dry stubble in the direction of Tokaora.

Gorse bushes in the path of the flames added fuel to the blaze, which travelled with amazing rapidity along two sufj-rl ivicling hoxthorn hedges on the property of Messrs Huggins Bros. In all, fully half a mile of hedge on these sub-divisions was destroyed before the fires were checked by a stile in one and a break in the ocher. By mid-day neighbouring farmers and beach residents who volunteered assistance, had the flames in check on the river slopes and in the paddocks, although there was still a danger in some areas of the fires creeping away unnoticed and assuming almost uncontrollable proportions. During the morning dense clouds of smoke rose from the valley through which the Waingongoro River winds its tortuous course to the sea. Some concern was felt in Hawera when it was learned that fire threatened the settlement and many owners of holiday residences hurried to the beaeli in response to warnings by telephone. Earlier in the morning some excitement was caused when fire broke out in lupins on the native reserve at the rear of the new pavilion, the whole area being swept and left a blackened waste. A fortnight ago fire destroyed portion of the growth and the flames on that ocasion were extinguished with some difficulty. To-day’s outbreak, which made a clean sweep of all that remained of the bushes, menaced the old wooden dressing sheds overlooking the beach front.

A bucket brigade was formed among the holidaymakers, who happened to bo on the beach, and the flames were suppressed before any material damage was done.