FIRE REPORT

Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade had a steady stream of callouts over the Christmas/New Year period.

On December 17 at 5pm the brigade, along with Omokoroa and Tauranga was called to a five-car accident on SH2 near Gill Rd. One person with a disability was trapped and needed assistance. Police and ambulance attended.

The next day at 4.10pm the brigade was called to assist a driver who had gone in the wrong direction while supposedly backing a car — behind the library. The car was made safe and a tow truck called.

At 3.20am on December 20 the brigade was called to an alarm activation at a private residence in Lund Rd. No action by the brigade — water was thought to have entered the alarm. On December 22 at 12.36am the brigade was called to assist police after a person with suicidal tendencies poured an accelerant over themselves and a vehicle, threatening to set both alight. The person gave in to police and was taken to hospital.

At 11am the next day they responded to smoke showing behind Skelton Real Estate on SH2 — but no action was taken as it was a controlled burn.

On Boxing Day at 11.35pm the brigade attended to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) after a car failed to take a bend on Fairview Rd — hitting trees and taking out the decking of a house, then rolling on to the neighbouring fence. The person received minor injuries. On New Year’s Eve at 7.50pm crews responded to a fire on Tuapiro reserve where people had lit a fire to cook on. However, on arrival the fire had been extinguished and they were advised not to re-light.

The brigade was called to an MVA on Wright Rd at 8am on January 3 where a car turning off SH2 had cut the corner and collided with two motorcyclists. One was taken to hospital with leg injuries. The brigade carried out traffic control until the scene was cleared. Later that day at 8.30pm the brigade was called to assist Mayor View Fire Brigade at a house fire on Seaforth Rd at Otawhiwhi marae. The house was destroyed. Police and fire are investigating.