FIRES.

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16431, 27 January 1919, Page 8

FIRES.

♦ ', " ; GRASS. FIRE AT SUMNER. Yesterday afternoon, while a heavy nor'-west gale was blowing, a grass Jire started at the foot of Richmond Hill, between the residences of Mr Cambridga and Mr A. C. Fryer. The growth here is very thick, and sheets of flame were soon travelling towards Mr Fryer's house, and that belonging to Mr W. Hayward, which is higher up the hill, and which at present is occupied by Mr Marshall, of Fendalton. The occupants were much alarmed, and prepared immediately to abandon the premises. Tn Mr Marshall's case the flames almost surround the house and were attacking the building at the back when the Fire Brigade, under Superintendent Carter, arrived with the hand reel, and, securing a good pressure of t water, at once dealt successfully • with tho flames. Tho adjoining section, one of Mr E. Humphrey's, was a mass of flame, and at one time it looked as if Mr S. K. Basset's home would be in serious trouble. Mr Bassett secured ft local supply of water, and, with thfi) assistance of the members of the Sumner Brass Band and many other volunteer assistants successfully beat tho .fire out on that side. The outbreak is one of the most serious Sumner has-experienced for a long time, and the need ror a hose-box on the hill was severely felt. Had tho outbreak not been checked, Professor Haslam's property, further up," would probably have had an unenviable' experience. Two motor-carsj' which were standing just- below Mr J. Horner's residence, were removed with great difficulty amidst blinding smoke and onrushing flames. , The City Fire Brigade received a call at 10.14 a.m. on Saturday to a fire in a stable at 39 Edgeware road, owned by ■Mrs Williams, and rented by 'Mr Saly Mahomet. Very little damage was done, and the outbreak was soon under control. There were no insurances* - A Wellington Press telegram states that a fire on ' thr»' property • of Mr Charles Blake, at Waingana, destroyed 200 sheep, and did other damage.