Scrub Fire Menace In Far North

Northern Advocate, 1 February 1939, Page 6

Scrub Fire Menace In Far North

j During the past week scrub fires 1. have proved a menace to settlers in j districts north of Waipapakauri. j At Waiharara on Thursday a settler was burning scrub when the steady wind carried the fire beyond his control.

The tinder-like undergrowth encouraged the rapid spread of the flames, and neighbours hastened to lend assistance.

The area burnt off covered many acres and, at one stage, the residence of Mr D. McNiell, on the Waiharara Road, was endangered. After a strenuous .effort lasting into the night the outbreak was subdued. Owing to the peaty nature of the soil, the fire is still smouldering, and is not likely to be totally extinguished until after heavy rain. Of almost more serious consequence still was an outbreak which started on the Kimberly Road, at Waihopo, last Thursday mornings

It was only after a very determined fight lasting almost nine hours that the flames were subdued.

The origin of the fire is a mystery, and the seriousness of the outbreak was not noticed until the home of Mrs Stevens was threatened.

Sixteen residents hastened to the scene, but the fire spread rapidly, and, at times, was completely out of hand.

After ensuring , the safety of Mrs Stevens’ home,4he men were called to protect those of Mrs A. Blucher and Mr Walter Tynan.

The most serious threat was made at the home of Mr C. Ford, where it was necessary to remove household effects to safety owing to the intensity of the flames at that point. Before finally being controlled, the fire spread over a distance of five miles.

Numerous fir.es are still burning in the Far North, but most are well removed from homesteads.

The danger of fire will not be removed until heavy rain is experienced.