The Manawatu Herald of 17 February 1894 reported:
Fire at Shannon.
On Thursday, we learn from the Farmer, some fallen bush was set on fire near Shannon, and a gale rising swept the sparks over the township setting the grass and logs on fire to the great danger of all the buildings. All the inhabitants turned out, and their efforts were made in the face of intense heat and dense smoke.
A Maori whare was burnt, and the new house erected by Mr Haselden. It seems to have been an unpleasant experience and the inhabitants are to be congratulated on the success of their effort.