VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12391, 10 March 1926, Page 7

VICTORIAN BUSH FIRES

SURVIVORS SAY SOME VICTIMS WERE ROASTED ALIVE

FIREBELL RUNG AT INQUEST

FLAMES SPREADING AGAIN; WHOLE DISTRICT THREATENED By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. (Received March Q, 8.40 p.m.) MELBOURNE, March 9. The inquest on the victims of the bush fires at Powelltown, Gilderoy, and Big Pat’s Creek, when 20 persons were burned to death, was held at Warburton. Witnesses-.gave evidence that 20 people were literally roasted alive, their charred bodies being found alongside smouldering Survivors told graphic stories of ordeal, many having to shelter for hours in creeks, beating their clothing out as it caught alight. The coroner, in returning the verdict that the victims were accidentally burned to death, paid.a tribute to the wonderful courage shown by the women and the men who met the awful holocaust on that dreadful Sunday afternoon. While the inquest was proceeding the firebell rang, the incessant heat having caused further fires m the district. The outbreak is growing rapidly, and a dense pall of smoke is hanging over the countryside. Should the wind change to the north the whole district will be again endangered.