GRASS FIRES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17231, 24 December 1923, Page 3

GRASS FIRES.

NEED FOR UTMOST CARE. During the week end at least three grass fires occurred near Christchurch, one at Sumner, one at Cashmere Hills and one at New Brighton. In none of these cases was any very serious dam age done though for a time the fire at Sumner seriously threatened a dwellinghouse. In addition to these fires several grass fires occurred in and around the city and in the country during last week. The hot, dry weather experienced recently has dried the grass up and it is therefore easily inflammable. Further, nor-westers have been very frequent this summer and a grass tire fanned by a strong nor’-wester is liable to spread rapidly and to prove difficult to extinguish. especially if the services of a brigade ar? not available. Speaking on this matter last night Superintendent Warner, of the Christchurch fire brigade said he hoped that picnic parties and others would use particular care in lighting fires and be careful not to throw down lighted matches or cigarette butts on the grass. During the week the brigade had been called out three times to grass fires. These fires were in the vicinity of

houses, and, if the brigade had not l*een promptly on the scene, considerable damage might have been done. FIRE ON THE HILLS. The fire on Cashmere Hills occurred on the property of the Rhodes Convalescent Home yesterday morningThe brigade was summoned at 9.54 a m., and when it arrived on the scene the fire was working down the hill to the Karitane Home. A lead of water was quickly obtained from the Cashmere reservoir, and the flames were then extinguished without difficulty and before any serious damage was clone. On Saturday rubbish was being burnt on the property and it is thought that the outbreak was caused by some unextinguished embers from the rubbish fire. AT NEW BRIGHTON DOMAIN. A grass fire occurred in the New Brighton Domain yesterday afternoon. The fire bell was rung as it was thought there was a clanger of the fire spreading to houses in the vicinity. However, the outbreak was suppressed without difficulty and only a comparatively small area of grass was burnt.