INGLEWOOD SURROUNDED BY FIRE.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 8694, 3 February 1890, Page 2

INGLEWOOD SURROUNDED BY FIRE.

[from odb own correspondent.] Monday, February 3. — The bush of Mr H. Curtis and Mr H. W. Marsh, on the east side, and close to Inglewood, caught fire last night. The flames rose to a great height, and the strong wind from the south-east carried the fire through the Recreation Grounds, the flames burning and roaring with vnld and terrific grandeur. I have never seen such a sight before. All the east side of the town was in imminent danger of being destroyed. Men were up all night protecting the residence of Mr Grant, the headmaster of the Inglewood school; also at Mr Hoskins' and Mr Beggs' (tinsmith). Mr Wills' house caught fire, but Mr C. Wills and others kept the fire under. Mr Wills was away rendering assistance to Mr Barron, whose residence was surrounded by fire. The engine from Mr Brown's mill was taken to Mr Barron's place by the mill hands, but on arriving no water was to be had, the creek being too far away for the hose to reach. Some men who reside on the new block had to remain in Inglewood all night, not being able to get through the fire and smoke. Messrs Hignett and White's butcher cart had to remain in the new block all night, and is there still, the man not being able to drive through to Inglewood. We are surrounded by fire and smoke, and if the wind continues as it is at present lam afraid that all danger is not yet over. About 11.30 last night the sparks from Curtis' bush were carried a considerable" distance through and over the town, and looked like falling stars. I fear there has been some damage to those persons who reside about a mile on the east side of the town. As I write the smoke is very thick in that direction. I trust I shall not have any further bad news to report, but it looks dangerous at present.