Bush Fires in Australia.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8198, 26 January 1906, Page 6

Bush Fires in Australia.

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). (Per Press Association). MELBOURNE, Jan. 25. Old residents of South Gippaland, who have had many experiences of bush fires, describe the present outbreak as the most terrible ever witnessed. While not as widespread as the great fire of 1898 or as destructive of property, it transcends all others in the appalling loss of life entailed and Che awful swiftness with which it crept over the country. It rushed over farms and clearings in an avalanche of fire, the flames shooting 150 feet. It licked up forests of giant trees and dense scrub like magic. It was only a provideniinl change of wind that saved the township of Clemson. The president of the Shire Council had a thrilling experience, and it is only typical of many others. He was working some distance from his house when he saw a wall of lire bearing down on him. He rushed home but the flames had hold of the homestead almost before the inmates could get out. Eight of them took refuge in a galvanised iron tank, and with the aid of wet blankets they managed to survive the fiery ordeal, although their stock dropped dead around with the intense heat.