Fireworks set Elgin shed alight

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

Fireworks were the cause of a fire that damaged a small shed on a property in Karaka Street in Elgin on Sunday night.

But apart from that Fire and Emergency NZ reported a “pretty quiet” cracker season in this district for them.

On Saturday night FENZ had just the one call-out to fireworks-related issues, a small bonfire on the city beach on Centennial Marine Drive, which they put out quickly.

At around 8pm on Sunday night firefighters were called to put out a small grass fire on the beachfront, opposite the Outdoor Theatre, caused by fireworks.

An area of about 10 by 10 metres was involved.

At 10pm that night they were called to the Karaka Street incident.

“The fireworks had been set off too close to the shed.

“They set fire to the door and fire spread inside to damage tools and other materials stored in the shed.

“The residents had pretty much put it out themselves by the time we got there.”