HEATH FIRES RAGING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22053, 8 September 1933, Page 9

HEATH FIRES RAGING

HAMPSHIRE AND SURREY TROOPS ASSIST FIREMEN. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 6. Troops stripped to the waist and wearing steel helmets and gas masks were again engaged to-day in fighting the heath fires nlong the borders of Hampshire and Surrey. The countryside for nearly eight miles was burned in last night's fire, but although its progress was stopped by the efforts of troops, police, firemen, and civilians, smouldering patches broke out in several places today, notably along the Ringwood-Wtin-borne road. , The fire brigades are using thousands of feet of hose, but the scarcity of water adds to the difficulties. Fire fighters are patrolling all tfie areas where further outbreaks are likely, and will remain on dutv throughout the night. Smoke clouds from the heath lands can be seen for many miles. MOTORISTS ASSIST. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 6. (Received Sept. 7, at 5.5 P- m -) Throughout last night over 1000 soldier's from the Aldershot Command, as well as • civilians, were fighting a fire some miles in extent between Carnherley and Basingstoke. Over 15,000 feet of hose were used. Motorists helped to move the possessions of cottagers whose homes were in the burning woods. The wind dropped this morning, and enabled the fighters to stem the progress of the fire.