Bonfires banned on city beachfronts

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

BONFIRES will be allowed on most beaches throughout the region during the Guy Fawke's season providing smoke from the fires does not drift towards houses.

Fires on the city beach front cannot be lit under any circumstances between The Cut and Stanley Road.

“That will be a no-go area again this year for bonfires. Anywhere west of Stanley Road will be OK,” said principal rural fire officer Ray Dever.

“Places like Kaiti Beach and Wainui will be OK providing the winds are offshore and smoke does not affect houses in those areas.

“That applies anywhere in the district.”

Mr Dever said while the region remained covered by an open fire season people still had to act responsibly with bonfires.

“Backyard bonfires will not be allowed in residential areas, like the city or rural townships.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand will respond as needed to bonfire situations, and fires will be put out if they cause problems for the nearby community.

“We ask people planning to have a beach bonfire to ensure they are not lit anywhere near the grass in the dunes, particularly along the city beach front.

“Ensure you either stay with your fire until it is out, or put it out before you leave the beach.

“We want people to do the right thing and act responsibly.”

He said the surf life saving club in Tolaga Bay would be running a bonfire building competition tomorrow night.

“There will be prizes for first, second and third for the biggest and best fires.

“We want everyone to stay safe out there.”