Fire in empty swimming pool

A trail of smoke led the Greerton Fire Brigade on a wild goose chase through Welcome Bay last night.

The search led the crew to a deliberately lit fire in an empty swimming pool.

Fire Communications shift manager Jaron Phillips said a call came through about 7.20pm from a member of the public in Kaitemako Rd, who saw smoke.

"They thought it was coming from up the back of Waipuna Park so [the fire crew] had a good look around and found rubbish burning in an old pool."

"It appeared to be deliberately lit ... and was put out by a garden hose."

Meanwhile, the Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to a home in Uretara Rd after reports of a burning gas heater.

Mr Phillips said the gas heater in the lounge was on fire.

"They removed the gas cylinder from the house and ventilated the house because there was a bit of smoke."

"[The fire] hadn't spread to the house, it was contained to the heater so they were pretty lucky."