Forest Fire In Manawahi Checked

Grey River Argus, 3 April 1948, Page 7

Forest Fire In Manawahi Checked

PALMERSTON NORTH, April 2

Appreciable falls of rain last night near Ashhurst, together with the good work done bv staffs of the Public Works Department, the State Forest Service, and by the Palmerston North Fire Brigade, checked the spread of the flames of the forest fire which has been raging in parts of the hillside on the left face of the Manawatu Gorge throughout the week. The outbreak is now virtually under control. The gorge road remains closed, but a number of falling boulders which presented a hazard to traffic and workmen yesterday has decreased considerably. A lead of hose was in use this morning, the-water being pumped from the river through 900 feet of hose, but there was a hitch in the operations when it was found that the pump from the river could not develop sufficient pressure to send a powerful iet of water to the scene of the fir P 900 feet above the riverbed. Two 500-gallon tanks were filled from the river, however, and the water was pumped from them.