Mount Maunganui Mauao fire, one year on

FIRE: One year on, the Bay's icon has almost returned to its former glory. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

After the devastating fire that burned its way through a large chunk of Mauao this time last year, the Bay's icon has almost returned to its former glory.

On January 14 about 12am, a blaze broke out burning between 800 and 900sq m on the northeast side of Mauao, leaving the lush bush charred and black.

It was thought the fire swept through the middle of the Pacific gecko territory and would affect late nesting tui.

However, Tauranga City Council parks asset co-ordinator Dave Grimmer was confident Mauao's regeneration was going well with $18,170 spent on plants and planting work done via abseil.

NOW: The damaged area on Mauao was replanted with about 1200 native plants in June last year. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER

"Bird life and plants are flourishing. Twelve months on the burnt area is recovering well.

"The area burned in the fire was steep terrain only accessible with the use of abseil equipment to ensure the safety of those involved."

The potential of dislodging loose rock meant the track needed to be closed when accessing the area, which made it difficult to inspect and monitor.

The damaged area was replanted with about 1200 native plants in June last year.

"The objective of this planting was to quickly re-establish and to allow the natural re-vegetation process to take place with ongoing weed control to keep the unwanted weed species out."

The existing vegetation affected during the fire was also recovering well.

"In particular, the mountain flax [Phormium cookianum] bounced back quickly after the burn," Mr Grimmer said.

"While the plant life is recovering, it's still at risk over this hot summer. It is a timely reminder for all that Mauao is very dry at this time of year. The vegetation, topography and terrain in such dry conditions makes the risk of fire high."

Julia Graham of the Western Bay Wildlife Trust said she had not been up to the burn area recently but from a distance the area looked to be regenerating.

"You could barely see where the burn was.

THEN: On January 14 about 12am, a blaze broke out burning between 800 and 900sq m on the northeast side of Mauao, leaving the bush charred and black. PHOTO/GEORGE NOVAK

"It definitely highlights how lucky we were, the fact that it didn't spread, the conditions and how quick our firefighters were on to it."

The cause of the fire was found to be fireworks used in the reserve, said Mr Grimmer.

"Essentially the fire was a preventable accident that would not have occurred if fireworks were not let off on Mauao.

"The event was a timely reminder for local residents and visitors to Mauao of how quick and devastating the effects of a fire can be and therefore reinforce the need for all to adhere to the 'no fire' protocols."

Preventing fires
• Fires and fireworks are not permitted on Mauao
• Smoking is not permitted on Mauao
• In the event of a fire call 111

- Additional reporting from Anna Whyte