Many Burned to Death in Bush Fire

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7279, 5 October 1933, Page 7

Many Burned to Death in Bush Fire

Shocking Tragedy Reported From Hollywood

IIELIEF WORKERS TRAPPED * IN CIRCLE OF FIRE

United Press Association —By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 7 p.m. LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3,

At least 35 men were burned to death late on Tuesday in tho hills above Hollywood, where a lire started suddenly in tinder-like underbrush, apparently from a lighted cigarette. Some 150 unemployed men working on relief projects were trapped in a circle of flames which engulfed a small area between the dam and the mineral canyons. Hardly any of t.ho survivors escaped without injury or burns. Ambulances, fire brigades and about 3500 recruits rushed to their aid and controlled the fire after it had devastated acres of uninhabited mountain land.

Tho charred bodies of the 35 dead, their identity erased by tho flames which turned the bos-like canyon into a tomb of cremation, wero taken to a temporary morgue. Fire officials expressed a fear of the possibility of 20 more men having been cremated. The tragedy occurred in the eastern and low-lying Santa Monica mountains in the city area known as Griffith Park.

A huge crowd gathered at tho entrance to the park and terrified mothers and children frantically sought husbands and fathers.

The coroner (Mr Frank Nance) has been told that 18 more bodies were found in another section of the canyon. but is unable to confirm the information.