FRENCH FOREST FIRES.

Waikato Times, Volume 98, Issue 15320, 22 August 1923, Page 5

FRENCH FOREST FIRES.

60 MILES DEVASTATED

FLAMES UNABATED,

FIVE FORESTS DESTROYED.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.

Received August 22, 9.30 a.m

PARIS, August *2l

The Riviera forest lire has nowravaged an area of 60 miles between Brignolos and Cannes. The flames are unabated.

All that remains of the magnificent forest of Maures is a mass of cinders. The flames reached the secret place in the Maures where Frencli army deserters and German prisoners, who escaped from prison camps, have lived for the past few years. They had to flee for their lives.

Five forests besides Maures were completely destroyed. Dragui-gnan, which was filled with visitors', was only saved by the heroic efforts of the Senegalese troops, who were rushed to the spot and cut down mites of forest to check the flames.

The forest of Esteret presents a tragic scone of charred ruin painful to those who have known its loveliness. About eighteen miles in length was ablaze when the fire was at its height. Troops and firemen were imported to contend with the flames, but 1000 acres were laid bare.

The little town of Mandelieu i« practically in ruins, and over 2000 people are homeless. It is remarkable that there were only four or five deaths. A woman and two children who were driven by the flames from their villa perished among the burning Umber only a few yards from the road which would have led to safety. Boats from the naval air. station, Toulon, carried many English and American visitors to safety.