Mount Maunganui on fire: A large blaze ripped through the upper north-eastern slopes of Mauao overnight.
A bush fire on the Mount. Photo: Cameron Avery.
A SunLive reporter near the scene says the fire is massive.
"It's really going for it, ripping through the trees."
He says the flames are on the side facing the township of Mount Maunganui.
The fire was reported just before midnight and was fanned by a strong easterly breeze.
Rosalie Crawford, viewing the scene from Commons Ave, says the fire appeared to be about two-thirds the way up the 232m high mountain and burnt up a north eastern ridge. She could see five or six major areas of fire, with more breaking out regularly.
These photos from Samantha Strickland show the flames leaping from the side of the Mount.
The fire seemed to have crossed the ridge and would be threatening much of the wildlife on the Mount, including fledgling grey faced petrels which were just coming out their burrows at this time of the year.
She believed members of the Mauao Wildlife Trust were on the Mount tonight.
The fire could also be devastating for tui chicks and some of the 800 penguins living on the Mount.
More photos coming soon and more detail as it comes available.
Are you at the scene? Tell us what you can see. Send photos to newsroom@thesun.co.nz
5 comments
Not good....
Posted on 14-01-2016 04:12 | By GreertonBoy
I sure hope it wasn't started on purpose
Disaster
Posted on 14-01-2016 05:58 | By peecee09
A fire like this does not start accidentally so let us hope the culprit is identified and dealt with severely by the courts. The beautiful Mount disfigured by fire again, how sad.
Guessing
Posted on 14-01-2016 14:51 | By Jitter
How about fireworks !
Not casting aspersions
Posted on 15-01-2016 09:29 | By Mortified
We have advised a couple of our staff to talk to the Police as there was a group of teenagers ( about 10) up there drinking under the trees on the side of the track at the summit at 9.30 - 10pm. Lots saw them so its a possibility they are involved wether accidently OR not. Someone knows something , it did not start itself and someone will dob them in - I suggest owning up is going to be the best bet.
ieuan
Posted on 16-01-2016 13:27 | By Cydifor
If the culprits are found, throw the whole book at them, no wet-bus-ticket punishment. A short spell of time looking through bars and deprived of their freedom could be of advantage.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.