Fire leaves its mark on Peak

Fireworks caused a blaze in Te Mata Peak that took a helicopter to extinguish. Photo / Warren Buckland

A helicopter extinguished an all-night blaze on Te Mata Peak after people defied a blanket ban on fireworks.

Six fire crews were called to the Havelock North lookout after the alarm was raised on Tuesday night but it proved difficult to extinguish on the cliff face.

Hastings District Council principal rural fire officer Trevor Mitchell said it burned all night but was put out at first light yesterday morning with a helicopter using a monsoon bucket.

He had no doubt what caused the blaze.

"There were fireworks there and we had reports of fireworks being set off immediately prior to the fire starting," he said.

Te Mata Park Trust chairman Bruno Chambers said there was a blanket ban on fireworks in the park.

"It is a real disappointment but it is kind of what happens at Guy Fawkes, I'm afraid," he said.

"This is the time of year we do have problems. The month after Guy Fawkes it is usually a lot drier this time of year so it is unusual for a fire to take hold with this moisture around - while it is still so green.

"The problem is going to be a lot worse in the coming summer because grass will be a lot longer, ranker and more of a fire risk.

"If anyone at all sees somebody with fireworks they should call the police straight away, to help nip it in the bud.

Fireworks were not his only concern.

Anything could be a problem - any cigarettes or people being careless with flames will be a real issue.

Mr Mitchell said a camera-mounted drone used to assess the fire, being trialled in the region this week, was "a very helpful tool".