This summer the Opoutere beachfront forest is at risk of a catastrophic fire according to our local fire chief Jo Adams and the Principal Rural Fire Officer (PRFO) of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Paul Shaw.

The beach forest contains so many dead and dying pine trees (due to poisoning) that there is little chance of fighting any blaze that takes hold in the area. A fire could move quickly and pose an immediate danger to all residents along the beach and guests in the campground.

The community needs to be vigilant and this starts right now at Guy Fawkes time. Opoutere is in a Restricted Fire Season (this means all fires in the open must be permitted) until the Total Fire Ban comes into effect on December 20. See the TCDC website for further details.

If you see any fires on the beach or near the forest call 111 immediately.

Any queries don’t hesitate to call Jo Adams, Onemana Rural Fire Controller on 0274493034.