MILES OF FLAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21468, 17 April 1933, Page 10

MILES OF FLAMES

PLANTATION AND GRASS EXTENSIVE AREA SWEPT r — —~ LONG FIGHT AGAINST FIRE f — " 200 MEN WORK FOR HOURS r [by telegraph —PRESS association] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday An area of plantation covering 250 acres, as well as 1000 acres of grass find many miles of gorse fencing wero destroyed by a fire which broke out a little before mid-day to-day, at a point half-way between Rolleston and Burnbam, about 16 miles froxn Christchurch. About 200 men worked for nearly four hours checking the spread of the flames, which was extraordinarily rapid in the first hour or two. Half the plantation, which covers an area of 500 acres, was saved, and the grass fire was put out after it had travelled two or threo miles. If it had not been an almost calm day the fire would have done a groat deal inorc damage. The plantation, which was planted about 12 years ago, was owned by a number of owners in small sections. OUT 7 3EAK ON CASHMERE HILLS FRUIT FARMS THREATENED [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHKISTCHUBCH, Saturday Fanned by a strong nor'-wester, a fire swept a large area of grass near Victoria Park on the Cashmere Hills last evening. The blaze provided a brilliant, spectacle. A number of fruit farms were menaced temporarily, but when the wind dropped the fire-fighters were able to gain control. A square mile of grass was swept. HOUSE BURNED DOWN OCCUPANTS' HURRIED EXIT PRACTICALLY NOTHING SAVED A five-roomed wooden house in Avondale Road, Avondale, was destroyed by fire about 3.30 yesterday morning, together with all its contents. The house was owned by Miss E. A. McLean, who occupied it with Mrs. H. Grice. Both women esca]"?d in their night attire, and saved only a few personal belongings. The fire was first noticed by a passerby, who gave the alarm. The Avondale and Point Chevalier brigades arrived promptly, but were unable to make any attempt to check the flames on account of there being no water connection available. Firemen and the local constable were unable to save any of the contents of the house as the flames had too great a hold by the time they arrived. Both the house and contents were insured with the New Zealand Office.