GREAT FOREST FIRES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20556, 6 May 1930, Page 11

GREAT FOREST FIRES.

AMERICAN STATES.

FLAMES INVADE CITIES.

enormous destruction

jWIDE ABE A SWEPT.

THOUSANDS HOMELESS.

J3y Telegraph— Press Association—Copyright (Received May ■5, 10.55 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 4,

Widespread portions of the eastern States of America are threatened by forest fires. 'llie damage to property is great. Farms, homes, crops and timber have been destroyed. Many people have (led from their fiomes to places of safety., Thousands of men and boys are fighting the flames. The districts of Long Island, Central New York/ New Jersey, Pennsylvania nnd Massachusetts are also involved in fires.

The greatest, damage was done at Nashua, New Hampshire. Flames swept through the city and destroyed 200 residences. three "large industrial plants and three churches. Two thousand people were left homeless.

Three women were killed at Nashua, where the police and State constabulary are guarding against looting. The Red Cross is aiding the homeless. Tho south-eastern section of the city is a mass of smouldering ruins. The damage is estimated at more than £1,000,000. ' Leaving destruction in its track in Nashua tho fire crossed tho river and, swept on by high winds, enveloped the timherland on the other side of tho city. In New York City the fire brigades were busy all day dealing with suburban fires, which caused enormous damage. The fires are still burning in several sections, where communications have been dislocated. More damage is certain, for as soon as the fire-fighting apparatus roaches tho scene of one fire another district calls for immediate help. Staten Island, New_ York, was .the scene of numerous fires and 75 bungalows were destroyed in ono section. In another 700 buildings were on fire at cnce. Eight New York City fire brigades were rushed to.the island by ferry, while fire-boats aided from the water. Residents who had just arrived for the summer saw all their property ruined. Especially bad fires are now reported St Lakewood, New Jersey, Amit.yvillo and Long Island.