Beach log burns

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

FIREFIGHTERS were called to the city beachfront early afternoon yesterday after reports of a driftwood log on fire on the beach opposite the Beacon Reserve.

The call came in at about 1pm and one appliance responded.

The crew used a high pressure hose reel to put the fire out.

“There was no indication of a cause,” a senior firefighter said.

An hour later the fire service was called to investigate a strong smell of gas in the wharf area past wharf shed 3.

“Eastland Port has a waste oil storage unit in that area and the used oil is turned every now and then,” the senior firefighter said.

“That is what gave off the strong odour.”