HOMESTEAD MENACED BY GRASS FIRE.

Western Star, 24 February 1939, Page 3

HOMESTEAD MENACED BY GRASS FIRE.

BUILDING SAVED BY WORK OF BUCKET BRIGADE. BLENHEIM, February 22. One of Marlborough's most substantial homesteads, that of the Vavasours, of Ugbrooke, was menaced yesterday afternoon when a grass fire at Bashwood which swept 3000 acres in the morning broke out_ afresh about 3 o'clock. After being fought for four hours by 150 men during the morning the fire was thought to be under control by 1.30, but a change in the direction of the strong wind carried it into extensive pine plantations near Ugbrooke homestead, which was in serious' danger for a considerable time. The flames reached the laundry and small storeroom,'wnioh we're destroyed, but through ,the efforts of a bucket brigade, which gathered on the roof, the homestead itself was saved. The situation was so serious that the furniture" and . valuables in '"the homestead were shifted to safety. There were some losses of stock, hath on Ugbrooke and on the property of Mr M. H. Costello, but it is thought not to be serious.

The plantations .were again threatened last night when the wind changed to the south, but again, the efforts of a big band of fire-fighters proved successful. The fire was still smouldering this morning.