Gas torch sets palm tree on fire

Contractors using a propane gas torch to shrinkwrap a central Tauranga hotel accidentally set a neighbouring palm tree alight yesterday.
About 10.45am, firefighters were called to Puriri Park Hotel where they found the blaze had almost been extinguished using a fire hose from neighbouring business, Generation Homes.
But not before the heat melted a 5m x 5m hole in the shrink wrapping, with reports the smell was wafting down to Tauranga District Court.
Tauranga Fire Brigade station officer Nigel Liddicoat said the situation was well under control by the time firefighters arrived.
"One of the guys who was putting the shrink wrap on was an Auckland firefighter so he had it all under control," he said.
Firefighters used a high pressure hose to dampen down the scorched palm.
Mr Liddicoat predicted the tree would survive the ordeal.
"It's a bit of superficial burning I would imagine," he said.