Council hopes to curb dangerous beach fires after hazardous debris left behind

HAZARDOUS: Nails, staples and glass left on a Mount Maunganui beach after pallet fires. Photo / George Novak

City officials are hoping to stop people from setting fires that create hazards for walkers after burnt pallets left a prime stretch of beach littered with nails, staples and glass.

Tauranga City Council plans to issue public information material after learning of the hazardous aftermath of fires at Mount Maunganui that were reported by Tauranga man Leigh Sefton.

He had seen teenagers light fires on the beach between Hart St and Oceanbeach Rd, with burned wooden pallets leaving waste that posed a hazard to feet and paws.

Parks and recreation manager Mark Smith said the council learned of the pallet fires on December 17. Staff had since spoken to Mr Sefton on-site and had beach-grooming contractors clean up the area.

Between Hart St and Oceanbeach Rd, the council had in the month to January 19 removed almost 5cu m of debris left over from fires.

Council staff returned to the site with a contractor yesterday to assess the issue, and Mr Smith said materials were being prepared to inform the public of the problem.

These would "educate beachgoers on the Beaches Bylaw, the use of pallets as a fuel source and what to do when unsafe debris is spotted on the beach".

Fires are permitted below the high-tide mark between 5am and 11pm, provided they are manned at all times, smaller in size than one square metre, are properly extinguished and all debris and rubbish is removed.

"A dry and windy summer can create the conditions for fire to spread quickly," Mr Smith said. "If planning a fire, you should always check before lighting to ensure that no fire ban is in place."

The council did not endorse the burning of pallets because of the waste left behind.

Fire hazards

People noticing illegal fires could contact the council on 07 577 7000.