TE PUKE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE REPORT
Emergency calls this year: 265.
The brigade has recently responded to a couple of calls involving orchard tractor fires.
The first was during the mowing of an orchard when the tractor caught fire. Not only did it end in the total loss of the tractor, but the fire also caused damage to the surrounding kiwifruit vines.
We believe the probable cause of this fire was a bird’s nest in the engine compartment. Birds, especially starlings, can create a nest very quickly and we have had several fires of this nature over the last year.
The second tractor caught fire in an implement shed and spread to a nearby digger before involving the shed itself. The brigade was able to limit shed damage to a relatively minor level and prevent the digger being written off. Sadly, the tractor did not get off so lightly and the cause of this fire was undetermined as the owner had checked the tractor for bird’s nests prior to using only some half hour earlier. We suspect an electrical wiring issue.
The moral of the story?
Always check tractors, mowers and machinery before use for bird’s nests and clean them out before you start — even if you have checked the previous day or even earlier the same day. Over the years we have responded to many fires caused by bird’s nests in machinery — including diggers. Usually, the remote location of these fires results in major damage or even total loss to the machinery involved.
As always, people should evacuate immediately and call 111 to get the brigade on the way as soon as possible. Maintain a safe distance from the fire, out of the smoke and keep away.
It is also helpful to have somebody meet the brigade at the gate to provide directions if access is not obvious or the fire is located at a remote part of the property. Remember, if it is a significant fire, there will probably be two fire trucks and a tanker responding so that person should remain at the gate until all our trucks are on scene.
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