Plea to arsonist: Stop the burning

DANGEROUS: This grass fire on Centennial Marine Drive late on Sunday morning appears to have been deliberately lit. It spread within a few minutes across a 30-metre stretch of grass in the dunes. A second fire was started in the same area on Monday night. Picture by Murray Robertson

PRINCIPAL rural fire officer Ray Dever has joined the call for the community to be extra vigilant around reserve areas and beaches after four suspicious vegetation fires in two days.

There have been two grass fires on Centennial Marine Drive near Watson Park, another in Oswald Street and a riverbank tree was set alight on The Esplanade.

“If people see any suspicious activity or see a vegetation fire start, try to take a note of any people or vehicles leaving the area,” Mr Dever said.

“If you see a fire, ask for police first when you dial 111 and then the police will call in the fire service.”

Police would be in a position to put cordons in place to try to catch whoever lit the fire, he said.

“The fire risk situation is becoming high and deliberately-lit fires are extra dangerous because of that. So, too, fireworks as was shown with that grass fire on Kaiti Hill at the weekend caused by someone with crackers.

“If you see fireworks being set off around dry grass areas, call 111, explain what you are seeing and you will be directed accordingly.”

Mr Dever said it was a serious concern that someone was deliberately lighting fires around the city.

“Sooner or later someone is going to get hurt because of it or there will be serious property damage. Stop doing it! That is my plea to whoever is responsible.”