HEAT IN ADELAIDE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 20

HEAT IN ADELAIDE

AN ALL-TIME RECORD DAMAGE BY BUSH FIRES [from our own correspondent] ADELAIDE, Feb. H As well as breaking its all-time record for a heat wave, Adelaide recently recorded its highest thermometer reading in its history—ll7.7. This was accompanied and followed by bush fires in the hills and in tho southeast. The damage in the hills was conservatively estimated at £750,000. while that in the south-east brings the total to £1,000,000. Tho outstanding feature of the fires was the organisation of volunteer fire lighters by the National Safety Council. The secretary co-opted the services of Major J Sandow, who, in turn, called on officers and non-commissioned officers in the militia.

In a remarkably short space of time control officers were in the field at every point where fires threatened, and from the central office orders were sent to these men, who kept in constant telephonic contact. Eight thousand volunteers were put in the field, transported and maintained by tho speedily drafted organisation. At one time 35 fire points were covered, and the .3000 motor vehicles placed at tho disposal of the National Safety Council proved more than sufficient to transport the men from point to point, convey food to them and keep them supplied with water and fire-fighting appliances. St. John Ambulance men attended at all points, and doctors and nurses were at field dressing stations. More than .300 men were treated for more or less severe injuries. Somo were taken to the Adelaide General Hospital and others to an emergency base hospital at the Australian Natives' Association Building in Flinders Street.

As a result of this experience a committee has been appointed to draw up a. plan for a permanent organisation on the lines adopted.by the National Safety Council,