GORSE AREA ABLATE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18629, 9 February 1924, Page 8

GORSE AREA ABLATE.

RESIDENCES ENDANGERED. SCORCHED BY THE FLAMES; BRIGADE'S STRENUOUS WORE An extensive gorse fire occurred beyond the Mount Eden 1 tram terminus yesterday, on a block of A about 15 acres between Peary and Ellerton Streets and Eoyce's Avenue. Only the strenuous efforts of the Mount Eden Fire Brigade, which was twice called out, prevented the flames from spreading to a number of houses abutting on the block. ; : :- About eight houses were scorched by the flames, which were fanned by the breeze, and in one instance the fire reached to within about two yards of a fence close to which a house stood. The brigade received the first call about 10.45 a.m., and the fire, which had apparently started at the foot of Peary Street, was then burning fiercely. The firemen's task was rendered most arduous by the rough and broken nature of the wide area of ground over which the fire extended, and the great length of hose which had to be used. At one stage a lead of 800 ft. was in use. Owing .to the changing of the wind, hose' had to be brought into play from the three streets to save houses from almost inevitable destruction. After about 2£ hours' work, the fire was thought to be extinguished, and the brigade returned to the station, but its services were again required almost immediately. > i However, : after another two hours' heavy work, the fire was completely under control, and there was no further danger to surrounding houses, several of which had narrowly escaped catching fire. It is believed that the fire was started by two schoolboys.