Dangerous Fires

Feilding Star, Volume IX, Issue 83, 11 February 1888, Page 2

Dangerous Fires

Yesterday afternoon the town was very nearly surrounded by bush fires. A breeze springing up took those who had started to burn somewhat by surprise, and one fire especially soon got entirely beyond control. It took ita rapid course in the direction of the Kiwitea stream, clearing everything before it, and the bridge on Kimbolton road was several times ignited. Fortunately plenty of water was at hand, so that was saved. As if this was not enough, some stupid or malignant person dropped a lighted match in the grass at the end of Bowen street near the residence of Mr Kirton. In a few seconds the names had a good hold, and the dry logs scattered about w ire soon in a blaze. Seeing the danger, many of the neighbors were at once on the spot, and ren* dered valuable assistance by beating down the fire with sacks, and douching the logs with water. Unfortunately the well soon became dry when very little more could be done. Mr Marshall brought a horse down, with wbich a dangerous log was dragged away to a distance. Among others who did good work were Messrs C. Henry, C. Stevens, Hicks, E. Jennins, Chambers lain (4), John Bartholomew (junrA P. Lynch, and to their exertions Mr Kirton attributes the fact that his house was saved from utter, destruction. It goes without saying he and his family are deeply grateful to them. Should there be any name omitted in the above list it ib from inadvertence. There can be no question that had the Borough Council -acceded to the petition of the ratepayers, and taken the grass off the street*, a valuable property would not have been put in extreme danger.