HUGE FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23272, 15 February 1939, Page 12

HUGE FIRE

ALL-NIGHT BLAZE WIDE BUSH AREA STOCK DESTROYED THREAT TO HOUSES [BY TELEGItAPII —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Firo swept through several hundred acres in Stokes Valley last night destroying a quantity of valuable timber and hundreds of pounds worth of fencing. The flames came within 100 yards of a house occupied by Mrs. Page, hut were diverted by the fire fighters. The outbreak started on the main Hntt Road in Taita Gorge late yesterday afternoon, and was still blazing late last night. Sweeping from the Hutt Road across the hill into the valley the flames made a spectacular sight. A party of 20 or ,'SO men fought the blaze throughout the night. About 10 p.m. there were two explosions when the fire reached a quantity of gelignite and detonators stored in a shed. _ Telephone communication with Stokes Valley was cut off soon after the fire started, and is still unrestored. Some cattle and sheep are believed to have perished. A strong wind carried cinders and sparks long distances, causing concern to anxious householders, who prepared to remove their possessions to a safer place in case the fire spread. Late in the night the flames had spread to the edge of the Stokes Valley Boad, and those watching the spread of the fire had to move their motor-cars quickly, as flames approached vehicles.