SCRUB IN FLAMES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25049, 13 November 1944, Page 4

SCRUB IN FLAMES

THE TAlirO DISTBICT FIRES OVER WIDE AREA (0.c.) TAUPO, Sunday _ A scrub fire which started about six o'clock tonight near the Waikato River at a' point known as Cherry Grove, about 11 miles north of Taupo, spread over a wide area and on a half-mile front travelled rapidly toward the Perpetual Forestry plantation. At nine o'clock tonight it had reached a point half a mile from the firebreak on the southern boundary of the plantation.

Although the fire was burning fiercely the wind was very light and the flames were then only making slow progress. The firebreak at this point is very wide and the near-by scrub very light so it is hoped with the assistance of firefighters to prevent the flames reaching the trees. All the country in this area is very dry after a fairly long spell ol hot, dry weather. Another lire lias sprung up, on the Taupo-Atiamuri road, about six miles from Taupo, but at present is burning in wild, open country. There is also another fire just behind Waitahanui, between the lake and the State Forestry plantation, but with the wind in the present direction this fire is travelling parallel with the plantation.