BIG GRASS FIRE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20540, 15 February 1935, Page 13

BIG GRASS FIRE.

Over 500 Acres Swept at Connemara. The well-known Parnassus property. Connemara homestead, owned by Mr G. L. Rutherford, was seriously threatened by a grass fire which burned from 10.30 a m. to 3 p.pi- yesterday. Over fifty men were engaged in the struggle against the flames, and in spite of the magnificent fight they made over 500 acres of grassland was swept bare. Burning off operations were in progress in the morning when the fire broke away before a stiff easterly breeze and rapidly got out of control. A call for help was sent out and over fifty .volunteers answered, some coming from as far away as ( heviot. The fire was burning in paddocks immediately behind the homestead and was threatening the plantation of trees sheltering it. The fire was assuming dangerous proportions and ihe beaters had a terrific struggle before they averted this danger. A

plantation of young trees near The Sisters Road was in the path of the flames, but this also was saved by valiant fighting. In the later stages the wind changed to the south-west and this materially aided the beaters, who got the fire tinder control at 3 p.m. By that time the men were nearing exhaustion. Fortunately the fire did not do much damage to fences, and no stock was lost.