WALL OF FLAME

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19121, 16 September 1936, Page 11

WALL OF FLAME

FIGHT TO SAVE HOME AUSTRALIAN BUSH FIRES SYDNEY, Aug. 29. Bushfires have occurred near Grafton, Mullumbimby, and Ballina, and at the former a homestead narrowly escaped destruction, due to the desperate efforts of firemen. Eight fires are burning near Mullumbimby, and fencing has been destroyed. Fires are also burning in the Ballina district.

Mr. AY. Carroll, of Ramornie, near Grafton, and a party of men fought a desperate battle with a .bushlire which swept over the land occupied by Mr. Carroll.

After three hours they returned to the homestead and went to lied, thinking that the lire was under control, but about midnight one of the family awoke and was horrified to see a .terrific lire moving towards the homestead.

Mr. Carroll and the men rushed out of bed and had another stern light to save the house, the flames being at one time 30ft high and advancing to within 100yds of the buildings. Residents described it as one of the worst tires over seen in the district.

Many small bushfires have occurred in the Bruuswiek-Byron district, as a result of extremely dry weather. On Thursday night eight fires were visible from St. Helena Hill. The undergrowth on Alt. Chineogan was alight, and the flames could be seen for many miles like a beacon. A scrub fire on Cape Byron, beneath the _ lighthouse, also made a picturesque sight. Some fencing has been destroyed in the district, hut little other damage is reported. The season is the driest for many years, and even some household supplies of water have been exhausted.

Bushfires are breaking out throughout the Ballina district. At Ford’s Farm, near Wardeil, the cane and banana crops had a narrow escape last, night, the fire burning right up to the fence. Showers of sparks driven by the wind fell among the crops, and fire-fighters had a struggle to check the flames.

With still no immediate prospects of rain, conditions on the Richmond are becoming serious. Dairy farmers are already suffering through the dry spell. Pastures have fallen off, with a consequent decrease in production.