THREATENED BY FIRE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20320, 31 January 1928, Page 13

THREATENED BY FIRE.

A FIGHT WITH THE FLAMES

EXPERIENCE OF MURCHISON

(Pica United Prxss Association.)

MURCHISON, January 50,

The township of Murchison was greatly endangered this morning by an outbreak of lire in the Domain, a reserve in the vicinity of several houses, and also of the Young Men’s Institute and the local school. The outbreak was caused by asmall fire lighted by a man living near the back of the Domain getting out of control. Fanned by a light wind the flames quicklv took hold over a wide area, running in two directions. It appeared unlikely that anything could stay their progress, and all the buildings were in immediate danger. Volunteer workers rushed to the scene, and with onlv wet sacks and a few buckets of water attacked the flames. The dry grass, fern, and blackberries were up to 6ft high in places, and the heat was terrific? Wheie possible, lire breaks were made, and after an hour s strenuous efforts the fire was got under control. As tile whole township is as dry as tinder it was only a miracle that a save was effected, and gicat praise is accorded the members of the vohmteei fire brigade. In the afternoon more safety breaks woi'o made. The limning stumps aie a. continual menace, and all night a watch will be kept. A much stronger wind sprang up l.'ttei in the day, and it was deemed fortunate that the fire was then under control, for otherwise nothing could have saved the town. Altogether some five acres of ground were burned.