Campers stopped before damage done

Lake Tarawera.

Staff and volunteers from three agencies were called to deal with reports of a potential illegal fire in the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve last weekend.

The Department of Conservation received reports that campers were about to light a campfire in Wairua Bay on the shores of Lake Tarawera.

Camping is strictly prohibited in Wairua Bay and there is an extreme fire risk in the area, DoC ranger Paul Cashmore said. "Given there was an extreme fire risk in the outlying areas of Rotorua over the weekend, it was plausible that a campfire could have gotten out of hand, especially when alcohol consumption is a factor.

"There is a lot of dry kanuka forest in the Lake Tarawera Scenic Reserve, which allows fire to spread rapidly out of control."

Given the extreme fire risk, DoC acted on the report immediately and were supported by Rotorua Lakes Council and West Rotoiti volunteer fire crew.

Staff ensured the campfire wood was removed before it was lit and the potential offenders were spoken to.

DoC administers six public campsites in the Rotorua District, including three on the shores of Lake Tarawera.

The use of open flames for cooking at these campsites is prohibited.

You can be held personally liable for the costs of fighting a rural fire if you are proved responsible for causing it.

Camping on DoC administered land around Lake Tarawera is permitted at Hot Water Beach, Tarawera Outlet and Humphries Bay.

Bookings for the Hotwater Beach camp site are essential and can be made through the Whakarewarewa Charitable Trust.