Trial by Fire

Bushfires have ravaged Lugarno several times, but the most devastating fire was on Saturday December 10, 1938. This account from the Propeller newspaper describes the disaster:

"Last Saturday's hurricane which caused severe damage throughout the State, was felt in full force in the St. George District. Fires broke out all over the area where there was any bush, but the worst occurred in Lugarno, where thirteen cottages were destroyed by fire. The remains present silent testimony to the tragedy of homes gutted by fire. Some have the chimneys standing, with twisted iron, broken crockery, charred wire mattresses, and other household goods scattered about. Eleven of the homes were week-end cottages, and the whole of the damage has been estimated at £5,000. Fifty police, under Inspector Standen, and Sergeants North and Jennings, joined with the Hurstville and Mortdale fire brigades in extinguishing the blaze. The police believe that the fire commenced on the Menai side of George's River, and leapt across a narrow section to start a blaze on the northern bank at Moon's scrub. The houses destroyed were in Forest Road and Moons Avenue, but the fire ranged all over the area bounded by Limekiln and Forest Roads, and Moons Avenue. Properties destroyed in Moons Avenue were owned by the following: Mr. R. Taylor, Targo Road, Ramsgate; Mrs. L. Cliff, Moons Avenue; Mrs. K. Smith, Forest Lodge; Mr. H.B. Herrmann, Enmore; Mr. T.P. Nance, Ashfield; Mr. S. Jagger, Robinson Street, Kogarah; Mrs. B. Denning, Newtown; Mr. V. Ryan, Punchbowl; Mr. J. Harris, Carlton Crescent, Kogarah Bay; Mr. A. Taylor, Ramsgate; and Mr. A.H. Lee, Moate Avenue, Brighton-Le-Sands. The house destroyed in Forest Road, Lugarno was owned by Mr. G.E. Chislett, and a cottage occupied by Mr. A. Whitehead was damaged by fire. The house of Mr. T.P. Nance, a former Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigades, was occupied by his son. Many toys made by Mr. Nance for distribution at Christmas were lost in the fire. Mrs Gwen Robinson, of Fripp Street, Arncliffe was visiting the home of Mr. Nance, Junr. was badly burned on both arms when attempting to quell the flames. She was admitted to St. George Hospital. Mrs. Oswald Morris, another weekend visitor, was also treated at the hospital for burns on his arms. The fire was well in hand by Sunday, but another outbreak occurred at Alfords Point, Menai. It was extinguished before it spread to nearby homes.