DANGEROUS GRASS FIRE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 100, 28 February 1947, Page 5

DANGEROUS GRASS FIRE

OUTBREAK ON HILLCREST SEVERAL HOMES THREATENED A grass fire of dangerous proportions broke out on the slopes of Hillcrest last Wednesday afternoon, and swept the rise immediately adjoining the ascent road from the town. The grass and light scrub which abounds in this area was as dry as tinder and the flames travelling at an amazing rate threatened several houses in the vicinity. The Fire Brigade was summonsed in the early stages and in spite of the difficulties of the conformation of the ground and the site of the fire, speedily reduced the flames to a point of control. They were assisted in their efforts by a number of willing beaters, who were able to confine the blaze to the gully immediately facing the business section of the town.

The actual origin of the fire is unknown, but it is surmised that it was caused by a cigarette end, casually flung from a passing car. A resident on Hillcrest reports that there have been several unexplained outbreaks in the same vicinity, one of which he personally extinguished not long ago.

The only real damage was to the overhanging pohutukawa on the corner of the Hillcrest road which was badly scorched. The fire however must serve as an object lesson to the average person to exercise the greatest care where matches and cigarettes are concerned during the dry months we are now experiencing.