FIRES UNDER CONTROL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22785, 8 January 1944, Page 4

FIRES UNDER CONTROL

Danger Still Exists (N Z.P.A.I AUCKLAND, Jan. 7The serious menace created by the fires in the Tarawera area on Thursday were commented on by the Conservator of Forests in the Rotorua district (Mr W. T. Morrison) to-day. The fire spread from Tarawera Lake eastward, seriously threatening the tea-rooms at Te Wairoa. and, one stage, were within 20ft. of the building. The occupiers of the building had to remove furniture hurriedly from the store and dwelling, but, as the fire was burning among the trees and scrub on the left-hand side of the road, it was possible to check its course. Mr Morrison said the danger still existed at Tarawera. but the flames at the present time were under control, with only two or three small patches burning.' It depended on the wind, as a change could cause a further outbreak. In addition to the tea-rooms, several Tourist Department hutments were in danger, but these, also, were saved. A fire-fighting crew was standing by. together with members of the Army, in the event of a further serious outbreak. The fires in the Taupo area were under control to-day.