OUTBREAKS OF FIRE

Mt Benger Mail, 9 February 1938, Page 3

OUTBREAKS OF FIRE

The prolonged dry period which the district has suffered of late has resulted in drying up the grass thus making a potential danger as far as fire is concerned. Several outbreaks of fire have occurred during the last week which should serve as a warning to district residents to take every precaution to avoid this danger. Early last week Mr W. Morrin, of Roxburgh East, was burning off his strawberry patch, as is the usual custom amongst some growers at this time of the year, when a whirlwind snapped up the flame and carried in on to his adjoining orchard where very considerable damage was done to apple and cherry trees. Another fire, believed to have been caused from sparks from the railway engine, occurred along the frontage of Teviot Station On Friday evening the Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade was called out to a fire burning on the fence line between Mr Hamilton’s and Mr J. Burton’s. The cause of this fire is not known but it might have been attended by more serious results had it not been placed under control.

The fire-bell again rang on Sunday evening, a grass fire having caught at the camping paddock and swept through the park. Luckily this fire was eventually got under control and the thanks of the borough are due to the persons who so willingly helped to put out the flames. If this fire had managed to break away serious damage would have been done to the Recreation Reserve and probably to the golf pavilion.