From Erica, situated in thickly-timbered mountain ash country, near Powelltown, scene of the State’s most disastrous fires ten years ago, came reports of serious outbreaks. Late last night it was stated people were still at saw mills in the hills, where fires were raging.

Owing to communications being destroyed it was impossible to contact them, but it was hoped they would be safe in dugouts, sunk for the purpose of protecting those cut off from by fires.

...Some 200 fire fighters are combating the outbreak, which is reported to be as bad as the fire of 1932, which wrought havoc through the area.

...Later reports from the Forestry Commission at Erica express fear for the safety of between 40 and 50 people, including a number of women and children, who are believed to be trapped at Ingram’s saw mill.

The fire swept down on the mill very suddenly, and it is not known for certain whether dugouts are installed for the people to seek refuge in. It is known that twelve months ago there were none.

[A, 9/1/39]