WAIPORI FIRE

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 20

WAIPORI FIRE

SIXTY ACRES RUINED The city electrical engineer’s report on the damage caused by the fire that broke out in the plantation at Waipori Falls on Thursday,' September 19, states that approximately 60 acres of plantation were destroyed, the trees being from 2ft to 9ft in height. Quite a number of the trees, however, will come away again, and the superintendent of reserves is at present replanting the burned area. An investigation discloses that thh fire was caused by tussockburning operations which had been carried out during the evening and early morning prior to the fire. It would appear, however, that all reasonable precautions were taken and that there is no blame attachable to anyone. The adjoining owner has since ' given permission to plough a fire-break. one chain in width along the boundary, and this work has_ been put in hand. Further protection work, however, is required in other portions of the plantations, and immediate steps are being taken to have these matters attended to. Other suggestions for the proper protection of the area are also being investigated. Ready assistance in dealing vjith the outbreak was given by Mr Murray, a resident at Waipori, the soldiers engaged on guard duty, and men employed on the tunnel works. This assistance is greatly appreciated by the Electricity Committee.