GORSE-COVERED LAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21859, 23 July 1934, Page 7

GORSE-COVERED LAND

GREAT RISK OF FIRES PROBLEM IN WELLINGTON MANY CALLS TO BRIGADE The serious potential danger represented by gorse-covered land in and nround the city of Wellington was pointed out by the superintendent of the Wellington Fire Brigade. Mr. C. A. Woolley, in a report recently submitted to the Fire Board. Mr. Woolley said that in an endeavour to alleviate the almost continual responses to gorse fire alarms the brigade's inspection department had carried out a further drive in the city during' the dry season. The combined efforts of the City Council anil tho brigade inspectors were responsible for no fewer than 250 sections being cleared during tho quarter ended January 31. During that period 138 gorse tires were attended, and to deal with them 169 appliances and 773 men were necessary, utilising 683 man hours. As many as 31 men, using five appliances, had been engaged at one time in dealing with a gorse lire on January 3, Mr. Woolley reported. Other outbreaks required 28 men and five appliances, 26 men and six appliances, 19 men and five appliances, 14 men and three appliances, and 10 men and four appliances. There appeared, added Mr. Woolley, to be only ono way to combat the prevalence of gorse fires, and that was to cho-ge owners of sections for brigade att ndance at gorse fires where a notice to ;ut and remove had been issued by tba City Council, or, alternatively, to impose a substantial fine. He said an amendment to tho city by-laws would be necessary to this end, and lie requested the board to take the matter up strongly with the City Council. The board decided to seek the cooperation of the City Council in the matter.