FIERCE FOREST FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 10

FIERCE FOREST FIRES.

lIAVOC CAUSED IN VICTORIA. MILL SETTLEMENT BURNED. SIX SQUARE MILES SWE?T. FORESTRY COMMISSION'S LOSS. [FROM OUR. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SYDNEY. Dec. 00. Summer in Australia is loved by the greater portion of the inhabitants, but its loveliness is marred every year by the fires that spring up and spread in this season. An example of the damage that can bo caused by a summer bush fire occurred last week in the valley of the Rubicon River in Victoria, where nearly 4000 acres of State forests were engulfed in flames, carelessly started, it is alleged, by employees of the Electricity Commission. It is stated that these men were burning off in order to prepare for tho building of the dam across the river, in spite of notices prohibiting buraing-off and warnings by forestry' officers. The Rubicon State forest is situated 100 miles from Melbourne. The fire fanned by a 50-mile an hour wind, descended on a tiny settlement at No. 2 mill, owned by Messrs. Clarke and Pearson, and in 50 minutes, had traversed a space of 300 yards and consumed every bit of the mill, four houses, nine huts and a stable. Nine men, three women and nine children, including a baby in arms, barely escaped with their lives. They lost everything. But the colossal burden of losses rested mainly on the Forestry Commission. The latter estimated the value of the land with timber at £2OO an acre, and that more than half of this value would never bo recovered. Gazing on the havoc created by the fire, a forestry inspector said: "This is just another illustration of the disheartening attitude toward forestry. The area covered by the fire is six square miles, or 3840 acres. It would produce about £2OO worth of timber an acre. Most of the forest was composed of mountain ash, which generally dies completely when burned. Everything points to the fact that tho devastation started where work was being dono by the Electricity Commission."

The fire in all lasted five days and threatened much more country than was actually affected. A fall of rain alone saved much of the nearby country, including the township of Marysville. The Forests Commission estimates its loss at £400,000. . V Signed statements as to the cause of the fire havo been taken, and the owners of the destroyed mill have claimed compensation from the Electricity Commission. Meanwhile the Forests Commission is emphasising its appeal to tourists and picnickers to assist in the prevention of. forest fires and the preservation of beauty spots. Stickers, post cards and leaflets pointing out the danger that exists with billy, fires, lighted matches, cigars, cigarettes and. pipe ash are being, distributed. A special folder containing an appeal to. motorists sets forth a number of simple rules, which, if observed, will greatly minimise the danger of fire. Thus the way of forestry experts, in Australia is made harder by our beautiful summer weather. Not only have they to awaken a sense of the importance of forestry in the Australian public, But they must also educate it as to the waste of causing fires.