BMSH FIRES IN UPPER TADMOR.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12166, 14 February 1908, Page 2

BMSH FIRES IN UPPER TADMOR.

NARROW ESCAPE OF

2 DWELLING

HEAVY LOSS*OF A SETTLER.

Bush fires bavo been raging in the Upper Tadmor district during the past week. A tire which is stated to have originated in Mr Ellis' bush clearing last Tuesday week, quickly spread to the adjoining section occupied by Mr K. J. Polglase, junr. , and some anxiety was felt for the safety of his house, but the efforts of a bucket brigade averted the clanger. A heavy shower of rain fell on Monday last and another on Tuesday morning, and the fires were apparently extinguished. Accordingly, writes /a correspondent, Mr Poiglase proceeded to his work on the road on Tuesday mornrng, about a mile away from his home, but at one o'clock he received word that the fires had again sprung ifp and were within half a chain of bis house. Neighbors were summoned by several gnnshots, the signal argped upon in case of help being required, and tney soon came to Mr Polglase 's assistance. The house was surrounded by fire and enveloped ia dense smoke. Attempts wore made to get some of the furniture and Mr Polglase's effects from the bouse, and the piano was removed to the front verandah, but the willing helpers were compelled to abandon their efforts, for a time. Mr Ellis arrived shortly afterwards, and efforts to conqner the fire were again renewed, and this time witb success, the fires in the immediate vicinity of the dwelling being got under. Soveral times the house caught on lire, and the'ruats at the back door were also ablaze.

H A heavy gale was blowing at the time ot the fire, which drove sparks and dv ruing embers in the direction of the house and it was really marvellous, how the building was saved. Some stock which were grazing iq the paddocks had a narrow escape from being burned. Mr Polglase will be a heavy loser, as he has had about one hundred acres of grass lands devastated.

§The_fires on Wednesday were in Messrs "Ellis and j^L'olgalse's green bush.