Vehicle dumped, set alight in the dark

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

FIREFIGHTERS were called to Rugby Park early this morning after a stationwagon was set on fire inside the grounds, near the entrance and near the fence at the Stand Childrens Services Tu Maia Whanau facility.

Fire and Emergency NZ were called to the park at 3.15am.

“The stationwagon had been towed into the park and set alight,” a senior firefighter said.

“The vehicle was well ablaze when we arrived and was burned out. Because of the toxic smoke generated, we had to use breathing apparatus to put it out.”

The alarm was raised by a nearby resident who noticed the dense smoke from the blaze drifting across houses in the area.

“There was no damage to the children’s camp fence.”

Police said the vehicle was not stolen and had been dumped there.

¦ Firefighters were called to the Rutene Road kindergarten at 3pm yesterday when staff became concerned about a fluorescent light fitting.

“The staff noticed smoke coming from the fitting so they called 111,” a senior firefighter said.

“We isolated the power, made sure the situation was safe and suggested they call in an electrician.”