News of a fire at the Kingston sawmill dominated the front page of The Canberra Times on this day 40 years ago.
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The fire caused $500,000 worth of damage, destroying timber, machinery, an office and a large steel gantry.
Firemen using a building near The Causeway end of the mill as a shield from the intense heat were driven back when a drum of diesel fuel exploded.
Kingston was blackened with smoke for more than three hours until firemen were able to surround the flames and stop the fire from spreading.
The fire leapt over fences and started a series of grass fires, but these were extinguished quickly.
A careful watch was maintained on nearby houses and the Australia Post depot.
Fire engines and water tankers made repeated return trips to take on fresh stocks of water. ACT Fire Commissioner, Mr Don Williamson, said three factors had favoured the firemen.
"There were adequate water supplies, the fire could be surrounded and there was no risk to life," he said.
