ROADSIDE FIRES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 18 January 1928, Page 4

ROADSIDE FIRES

NELSON FOREST AREAS ENDANGERED

MENACE TO BACK SETTLERS' PROPERTY

PROTRACTED DRY SPELL INCREASING RISK

CONCENTRATION ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Conditions in the country districts are favourable to the rapid spread of fire. The outlook is for continued fine weather, and the danger of serious conflagration is increasing. Already a few lires of considerable volume have been burning, bufnot much harm has been done. The need to-day is prevention.

WISE PRECAUTION

The Commissioner of Crown Lands Mr A. Waters) and the Conservator pf Forests (Mr C. M. Smith), who is also a member of the Scenery Preservation Board, have asked "The Mail" to cooperate with them in warning the public of the danger that threatens large areas of bush lands by the .careless use of fire. Only yesterday' a fire of nasty proportions originated from fhe roadside between Glenhope and Kawatiri. A billy had been boiled by a picnic party and not sufficient attention had been paid to the embers. In the Maitai valley an attempt was made by one party to put a billy fire out by brushing the embers. Immediately a gorse bush near by caiight .and : ;a big fire was the. ultimate result. In sortie instances there has been absolute disregard of the consequences, but the results are the same whether the tra- . yellers are disregardful of the interests of others whose property may bo endangered,, or" whether they are merely thoughtless or careless. Sometimes logs are collected for the sides and backs .to a fire. These may smoulder for hours or days If not properly attended to.

THREE "FLYING SQUADS" AT 1 WORK

In conjunction with Mr Waters, Mr Smith has organised three flying to patrol the district. The idea is to keep a careful watch, and also to act quickly when serious trouble "is threatened. Naturally, it is impossible for them to be everywhere at once; and the cooperation of settlers and others . is squght. Doubtless settlers will not bo slow in acting for they are very seriously threatened. by the careless tripper, but the co-operation of all who realise, and are mindful of the danger to other people's property, and who appreciate the beauty d'f the bush-covered hills along the" highways, is very earnestly sought. , A lighted match or cigarette thrown from a motor car in the dry areas is' as likely as not to cause a serious conflagration.

THREATENED FIRE IN RONGA

VALLEY

Mr Smith that the efforts of a , S6ttler in the Ronga'Valley, Mr L. LoeVj , at the week-end, resulted in a large area of ' bush being saved from destruction. . When the fire -was first observed, the conservator was communicated with, and Mr Leov held the flames in check for some time until the arrival of the party from Nelson, when the fire was headed off and eventually subdued. It was only the timely action of the settler concerned, Mr Smith says, which saved the valuable timber. While experienced bush fire fighters can do far more than the ordinary citizen, would ever realise, none more than they appreciate the value of timely measures. • " ■'.

SETTLERS' BURNS - Many settlers will be taking advantage of the dry weather to make their annual burns. It is pointed out that these must .not be undertaken without due regard of- the consequences. If a fire spreads froni one man's property to another, the man with the fire is responsible for the damage caused. If a fire spreads on to scenic reserves from private property th» law provides for a penalty up to £IOO for 'damage caused.

NELSON'S SCENIC ATTRACTIONS

Nelson's scenic attractions are such a valuable asset to the place,, and remaining roadside bush is so much valued, that we feel sure every effort will be made to co-operate heartily and earnestly with, the wjse preventive measures of tne officers in charge of the forest and scenic reserves. They are not unmindful of the menace to settlers' property, arid %h& public also will doubtless do all possible to prevent serious loss.