FIRE IN NATIVE RESERVE

Taranaki Daily News, 15 January 1931, Page 5

FIRE IN NATIVE RESERVE

DAMAGE AT GERALDINE.

RESIDENTS FIGHT FLAME'S.

Starting as a result of a spark from a blackberry fire igniting the dry undergrowth of the native bush, and with flames fanned by a strong north-west wind, a fire in the Geraldine (South Canterbury) native bush reserve wiped out three acres of trees and shrubs, endangered a portion of the township, and threatened the whole bush on Monday afternoon. Led by the Mayor and many prominent business men, who realised the incalculable value of the 58 acres ot native reserve within the borough, splendid work was done by voluntary helpers in stamping out incipient fires as they spread to all portions of bush. Within two hours the advance of the flames was stayed. However, as long as the present dry conditions continue there will be danger of a further spread of flames, and a watch has been arrang-

ed. When a resident, who was burning blackberry on his property beside the reserve, realised that the fire was beyond his control he immediately summoned assistance. The flames spread with remarkable rapidity through the tall totaras and the undergrowth. ‘ The fire had its origin in a farm paddock where blackberries were being destroyed. The spark must have been carried across a chain road by the wind, and it was not long before smoke was ascending in dense clouds and the flames were leaping rapidly through this portion of the bush. The fire raged most in the trees thickly entwined in dry lawyer bush and pillars of flames sent sparks flying in all directions. It was beyond the power of the most vigilant fire-fighter to quell all the incipient fires which started, although many were subdued before they could do much damage. For a time it looked as if > the flames would make their way with an uninterrupted course through the whole bush and the possibility that they would spread to the main bush, which is bounded by a shelter belt of pines just across a narrow metal road and then to the township itself, was not remote. News of the fire spread rapidly and fire-fighters soon gathered at the scene. It was not long before over a hundred men had assembled. A fire-break and a' bucket brigade stayed the progress of the flames, but not until three acres of scrub and trees had been wiped out. Almost two hours after the fire had commenced the flames were brought under control, but over the whole of the destroyed area miniature fires were raging and these offered a problem,, because ot the number of sparks they sent off into the wind. The workers endeavoured to smother these fires with earth and to beat them out with da’mp sacking. It was a narrow escape for the whole bush and the : township. The Geraldine Native Reserve, one of the few remaining in Canterbury, is admitted as the prettiest in the province and is regarded by the residents with justifiable pride.