The Fire Resisting Properties of Jarrah.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 9, 29 February 1908, Page 13

The Fire Resisting Properties of Jarrah.

A USEFUL TIMBER. The dreadfully destructive fires whi<ft have been sweeping over the bush tricte in the North Island burnt Billet and miles of fencing and thousands of pounds’ worth of buildings—both farm and residence. Fencing is a particularly) heavy item to the man in the backs blocks, and he will welcome anything that would reduce the possibility of losif from fire — a risk which recurs year afh ter year whenever the bush is beinM burned off. All timber is vulnerabi& but there is one which possesses properties which specially recommend it the mau whose property is in danget from the fire fiend, and this is the Aus. trulian hardwood called Jarrah, whieft is the most durable of these very dmh able timbers, the life being' given—in positions where it is alternately wet and dry—at from 40 to 50 years. Indeed, the life has never been proved, the Millar West Australian Hardwood Co., Ltd., having in its possession specimens in perfect state of preservation, which have been in the ground and water for 70 years. With regard to its fine resisting qualities, the company has some remarkable testimonials. G. Harris Scarfe and Co.. Ltd., wrote: “Tile examination of the result of our recent disastrous tire at Fremantle, West Australia, disclosed the fact that the portions of the building constructed of Karri and Jarrah withstood the flames remarkably well. We fee! sure that had such portions been constructed of any other woods the same would haye been totally demolished. A large amount of the timbers above referred to remain almost intact.’' The British Fire Prevention Sub-Comr mil tee in their report on the fire at Victoria Docks, says: “Though the Jarrah bore the brunt of the tire, as what wind there was blew, in this direction, comparatively littla damage was done to this pile, and thi® was confined to the north and west faces, the fire failing to penetrate far into the interior. Your Sub-Committee are of opinion that but for the resistance offered to the fire by this stack of Jarrah, the conflagration would have assumed much larger proportions, as in the rear were large quantities of deals, and, had they ignited, the task for th 4 fire brigades would have been far largef and more difficult.” “The Street,” . aid: “Tile lire swept all before it until ife reached the stack of Jarrah. The fierce-* ness of the lire met an instant checks and failed to lay hold of the close-grain* ed wood, thus giving the firemen tho first, chance of really tackling the flamed, and eventually extinguishing them.” The company’s Auckland branch office is at Mechanic’s Bay. where there is a striking model cottage built entirely hardwoods, showing what can be dond with them.