A rubbish fire near Hastings yesterday has served as a timely reminder about conditions in Hawke's Bay this summer and the fire restrictions in place, according to fire officers.
The Fire Service was called to Bridge Pa at 9.30am and arrived to find a fiercely-burning unpermitted fire confined to a small area on private property, being stacked with unwanted household items and other rubbish.
Station officer Peter Draper said two appliances went to the fire which was quickly extinguished without damage to property but which had been at significant risk of spreading into surrounding metre-high growth.
He said those on the property were unaware they should have had a permit, and hadn't appreciated the dangers with a fire developing its own draft, and hot enough to "melt" a chair he estimated was about four metres from the flames.
Eastern Regional Rural Fire Committee chairman and Hastings District Council rural fire officer Trevor Mitchell said the restricted fire season notice in place in the area means fires in the open are not allowed without a permit. Sites are inspected before such permits are issued.