Young scientists spark hay bale fire

Photo/file

The actions of two keen young scientists have been applauded by firefighters after they inadvertently set a hay bale on fire.

Katikati volunteer fire brigade station officer Brendan Gibbs said they were called to a shed fire on Sharp Road, Aongatete, about 6.15pm.

"It was some young teenagers doing some science work and using a soldering iron when a hay bale caught on fire."

Mr Gibbs said the two boys, believed to be 12 and 14, immediately evacuated the shed, closed the door behind them and called for help.

''That was the best thing they did."

Starving a fire of oxygen helps prevent it spreading. Mr Gibbs said there was no serious damage to the shed.

"It wasn't too bad when we got there. We got there and dragged the hay bale out and that was that."