FIRE MENACE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 95, 5 July 1946, Page 5

FIRE MENACE

DANGER AT OHOPE CAUTION NECESSARY The question of the fire menace at Ohope during the summer months was one which came under discussion at the recent general meeting of ratepayers and residents of the beach, which took place recently for the purpose of forming a Progress League. Explaining the manner in which a watch had been kept on all fires last summer, Mr C. H. Brebner stated that certain residents had been nominated as fire wardens, and their duty it was to see that no fires which might constitute a danger to any property were lit. Permission to light a fire had to be obtained from a warden, who also acted in the capacity of a supervisor. During the recent drought, it had been necessary for the County Council to prohibit the lighting of fires altogether. Dealing with the subject of the number of sections which were overgrown, and therefore, in the event of fire, constituted a menace to other property, Mr Brebner said that the council had no powers to force owners to clear their land. Catchment Boards did, however, have the necessary power, and if and when such a body were formed in this district, it would have full control over the situation. In his opinion, the newly formed Ohope Progress League should keep a watchful eye on the lighting of fires during the summer. Concluding the discussion, Mr H. C. McCready, the Riding member, stated that he though the council would co-operate with regard to no - tices—the League’s job was .to get people to notice the notices. .