A large vegetation fire on the slopes of Auckland’s Māngere Mountain overnight was possibly caused by a bonfire, Fire and Emergency New Zeland’s group manager said at the scene today.
The alarm was raised at 9.25pm when FENZ received multiple calls about a fire burning near the top of Māngere near Domain Rd.
Fire and Emergency crews were called to the slopes of the central Auckland volcano just before 9.30pm on Saturday. (Source: 1News)
An emergency mobile alert was issued for residents within 2km to the southwest of the hill just before midnight as the fire ripped through grass and shrubs near the summit.
FENZ group manager Dale Tawa told 1News there were reports that a bonfire had sparked the blaze.
“There’s quite a bit of speculation at the moment, the initial reports that we received through fire comms was that there was a bonfire,” he said.
He said the fire had been set with plywood at the top of the mountain.
Tawa also spoke about “unsubstantiated” reports of people in the area who potentially set the structure alight.
“But we’re unable to confirm that at this stage without further witnesses.”
He said the region was in a restricted fire season, so “any burning of any sort requires a fire permit”.
He said bonfires of any nature on public land such as the Māngere maunga were not permitted.
At its peak, the fire was estimated to be around three hectares in size and flames lit up the night sky across the city.
Nineteen crews were deployed to contain the blaze by just before midnight. People were asked to stay away from the area to allow the crews to work.
A Fire and Emergency spokesperson warned of intense smoke billowing with the easterly wind, being carried as far as Piha.
“People on the western side of the mountain may experience smoke. If they are affected, they should stay inside and close all windows and doors,” the spokesperson cautioned.
“Seek medical attention if you are feeling unwell due to smoke.”
By 4am, the fire was understood to be near-fully contained and crews remained at the scene to fully extinguish the fire.
Later in the morning, Tawa said the fire was contained and controlled, and crews were mopping up.
Asked about the damage from the fire, Tawa said it was “substantial” for Iwi.
“As far as the maunga authority are concerned, it is one of their major walking attractions as well, so it is quite saddening to see a taonga like the maunga being set alight”
Rest home fire
Even as crews were being dispatched to the hillside blaze, fire alarms were activated at a rest home in the same suburb.
A single-level building was on fire at the Māngere lodgings, forcing the evacuation of residents.
A second alarm was issued and fire crews responded, putting out the fire in rear unit of the rest home at about 10.20pm.
