Volunteer fire brigade prevents spread of fire in Tongariro National Park
Date: 08 February 2008
The quick response of the Turangi Volunteer Fire Service prevented a deliberately lit fire on the Te Ponanga Saddle on SH47 near Turangi from spreading into the northern reaches of Tongariro National Park.
A vehicle thought to have been purposely set alight is believed to have caused the fire. The Department of Conservation is praising the efforts of the Fire Service, particularly volunteers from Omori and Turangi, who helped to bring the fire under control quickly.
"DOC very much appreciates the on going help we get from our colleagues in the Fire Service, especially their volunteers," says Dave Lumley, Turangi Taupo Area Manager. "They often reach a vegetation fire before us and this helps stop widespread damage of public conservation land. Last night's fire is a good example."
The Police are investigating the cause of last night's fire. Under the Forest and Rural Fires Act people found to have lit fires illegally can be prosecuted and charged for the cost of fire suppression.
There is a total fire ban on all fires in the open in the Tongariro Taupo Conservancy, lands administered by Taupo District Council and the Lake Taupo Rural Fire District. Any smoke sightings should be reported via the 111 system.