Story: Fires and fire services

Bush fire

Bush fire

Bush fires, such as the one shown in this engraving, were a menace for country towns during the 19th and early 20th centuries. At that time there was no rural firefighting force, little in the way of equipment and no piped water. Bush fires could start when deliberate burning of bush to clear land got out of control.

Using this item

Auckland Art Gallery – Toi o Tāmaki
Pen and ink drawing by Julius Geissler

Permission of Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Fires and fire services - Causes of fires', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/21858/bush-fire (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 11 Mar 2010