THREAT TO TAUPO

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20956, 8 November 1939, Page 9

THREAT TO TAUPO

FIERCE SCRUB FIRE RESIDENTS’ STRUGGLE FLAMES UNDER CONTROL (Special to Times) TAUPO, Tuesday A large band of fire fighters after a strenuous struggle with a fierce scrub fire succeeded in getting the flames under control at 2 a.m. today. The fire broke out on Saturday, burning easterly in the direction of Tauhara Mountain. Last night, however, a change of wind turned the direction of the flames towards Taupo on a four-mile front. The countryside was lit up for miles by the glow of the flames. Under the direction of Mr G. G. Potts, fire warden, and Mr P. Grey, foreman of the Taupo Road Board, volunteers were engaged in burning back the bush at danger spots and in beating out the flames when buildings were threatened. Several residents whose homes were in the path of the fire were warned of their danger and evacuated their houses. Cars were loaded with personal belongings, and residents were taken to the lakefront until the danger was over. A 60-acre plantation of pines and eucalyptus planted about 30 years ago was swept by the flames, the whole of the plantation being lost. Men were engaged today in extinguishing minor outbreaks and smouldering logs.