MURCHISON IN DANGER

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 266, 31 January 1928, Page 1

MURCHISON IN DANGER

PEOPLE BATTLE WITH FLAMES AN ALL-NIGHT VIGIL Press Association. WELLINGTON, Monday. The township of Murchison was in great danger this morning as the result of an outbreak of fire in the Domain Reserve in the vicinity of several houses, and also the Young Men’s Institute and the local school. The outbreak was caused by a small fire lighted by a man living near the back of the Domain. Getting out of control and fanned by a light wind, the flames took a quick hold with a wide face running in two directions. It looked as if nothing could stay the progress of the fire and all buildings in the vicinity were in immediate danger. Volunteer workers rushed to the scene and, with only wet sacks and a few buckets of water, attacked the flames. The dry grass, fern and blackberries were up to 6ft. high in places and the heat was terrific. Where possible, fire-breaks were made, and after an hour’s herculean effort the fire was got under control. The whole township being as dry as tinder, it was only a miracle that a save was effected. Great praise is due to the members of the volunteer fire brigade. In the afternoon more safety breaks were made. Burning stumps were a continued menace and an all-night watch will be kept. A much stronger wind sprang up later in the day and it was deemed fortunate that the fire was then under control, otherwise nothing could have saved the town. Altogether some five acres of ground were swept.