Firemen risk bee stings tackling blaze

BRAVE: Fire crews put out a grass blaze, started by a hot exhaust pipe, which threatened about 48 beehives at Totara Park Drive yesterday.

Firefighters risked swarms of bees while bringing a grass fire at Upper Plain under control yesterday afternoon.

It was believed the fire at Totara Park Drive, where about 48 hives were located, may have started when a hot exhaust pipe came into contact with dry grass.

Masterton fire station officer Garry Nielsen officer said one firefighter suffered several bee stings while bringing the fire under control. About 300sq m of grass caught fire before the fire was contained. It was a reminder of how easily fires could start in such dry conditions, he said.

"There's so many things we don't think about that can start a fire - you don't have to light a match."

Chief executive of Watson and Son honey Warren Peat said two beekeepers, who were splitting hives on the property, received minor burns and would be taken to hospital for a check-up. "It's a double whammy when you get a fire and a swarm of bees."

A couple of hives caught fire but most were undamaged, Mr Peat said. Two fire appliances from Masterton and a tanker from Carterton attended the fire.