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8a Read

A Discuss.
• How often do you read news articles?
• Do you get most of your news from newspapers,
TV, radio or the Internet? What about your parents?
• What kind of news stories are you interested in?

B Listen, read and choose the best headline for the news article.

a NORTON FIRE FINALLY STOPS BURNING b NORTON EMPTIES AS FIRE APPROACHES

c PEOPLE DIE IN NORTON FIRE d RESIDENTS REFUSE TO LEAVE NORTON

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The town of Norton will be evacuated as the fire that broke out in the surrounding area four days ago
continues to spread. Local authorities are doing what they can to keep roads open, and will organise
extra buses out of the town during the three-day evacuation period. They are confident that the
danger will pass and residents will be able to return to their homes within the week.
Firefighters don’t yet know what caused the fire that broke out in the nearby forest area. Fires are
common during the summer because of the high temperatures and little rain; however, in this case,
unusually strong winds helped the flames spread with surprising speed.
Tony Blaze, Norton’s mayor, explained to reporters, ‘We called in firefighters from across the country
to help. We didn’t have enough men to control a fire this size. However, even with so many men — and
even helicopters that are pouring water from above — putting out the fire is very difficult. The wind

keeps changing direction and carrying the flames with it. I hope the weather will change and bring
some rain.’
Much of Norton has been without electricity since yesterday, but the decision to evacuate the town
was made only after serious thought. ‘We don’t want people to panic,’ said Blaze. ‘However, the fire
destroyed two buildings on the outskirts of the town yesterday, and smoke from the blaze has now

travelled as far as the town centre. Breathing has become difficult, and our residents’ health and
safety is what matters most. The evacuation will begin within twenty-four hours.’

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