EXTENSIVE FIRE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23880, 3 February 1941, Page 6

EXTENSIVE FIRE

400 PINES DESTROYED CHRISTCHURCH OUTBREAK HOME GUARD FIGHTS FLAMES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Sunday An extensive fire broke out on Murray Aynsley Hill yesterday afternoon and seriously threatened the residential area. The fire was fought by over '2OO fire-fighters and, although the outbuildings of the custodian's house at Glenelg, a children's health camp, were destroyed, the fire was prevented from reaching the house itself. At 4.30 p.m. the outbreak was under control, but a watch was arranged for the rest of the night. The fire started in scrub on the east side of the hill near the Glenmore quarry and quickly spread to the Glenelg property, formerly owned by Mr. C. M. Olliver and recently purchased as a site for a, children's health camp. The most serious damage was done when the flames swept through a plantation of pines and some 400 to 500 trees wore destroyed. The outbreak was arrested before it reached Rapaki Road. The wooden roof of a reservoir was burned and the firefighters had a terrific struggle to save the custodian's house. All the outbuildings were burned out, but the house itself was saved. The value of the Home Guard was made manifest, as many guardsmen turned out to augment the fighters already on the spot. During the afternoon an appeal was broadcast and this brought a ready response. Helpers armed with beaters and shovels did valiant work and by their efforts prevented the fire from spreading to the more thickly populated areas. Although the district is outside the fire area, an engine from the Christchurch fire brigade went out, but was hampered by the lack of a good water supply. DWELLING AT MOUNT ROSKILL TWO ROOMS AND ROOF SUFFER Two rooms and the roof of a wooden residence at 832 Mount Eden Road, Three .Kings, were damaged by fire which broke out shortly before 8..'50 p.m. on Saturday. The dwelling, which is owned and occupied by Mr. M. A. O'Shea, is insured for £6OO. Machines from the Mount Roskill and Mount Eden fire brigades answered the call. DAMAGE TO BAKEHOUSE FLOUR, AND SUGAR LOST Stocks of flour and sugar were destroyed and considerable damage was done to plant and fittings yesterday afternoon by firo in the bakehouse of Mr. E. Simon, baker, Papatoetoe. Three delivery vans were pushed out of the adjoining building before the flames readied them. Smoke "as noticed issuing from the bakehouse, a detached brick building, about 3 o'clock. When the Papatoetoe brigade arrived the flames had secured a firm hold in the upper storey and two leads of hose had to be used before the outbreak was extinguished. One of the two ovens was put out of use and the other was also damaged. The plant and machinery were damaged and 50 sacks of flour and over lOcwt. of sugar were destroyed.