FIRE PROTECTION

Taupo Times, Volume I, Issue 42, 29 October 1952, Page 1

FIRE PROTECTION

ORG ANISING SAFETY PLANS A meeting of forest owners, sawmillers and logging and carting operators ^called by the Tokoroa and Oraka Rural Fire Committees to dis-, cuss co-operative fire protection was held in the Community Centre, Tokoroa on Tuesday, October 21st. Before the meeting a demonstration on the use, care and maintenence of fire extinguishers was given. The chairman of the committees welcomed those present and gave a short address on the fire position to date and t'hen threw the meeting opeti for discussion. Oue operator reported having had a traetor fire caused by pine needles aroimd the exhaust manifold and that it had been extinguished by using a shovel. The danger in slash areas was brought up and the need for felling reject trees and snags

discussed. Another operator reported success in pushing these over with a tractor and was of the opini ion that once the gang got used to this they would never leave anything standing again. The meeting was told of how some mills were being cleaned down with compressed air to reduce dust accumulations and so reduce the Tate of spread of fires. The need for the extension of the present fire suppression and training plan to include all operators was discussed. At the close of the meeting it was agreed that further meetings would be beneficial to all.