No fires on the beach at midnight this New Year’s Eve
George Duff, Takaka's rural fire officer, says that at midnight this new Year's Eve it will be high tide.
"That means there should be no fires at Tukurua motor camp, Tata Beach, Ligar Bay or Pohara because the permit says that the fire must be 20 metres down from high water mark," said George.
George issues free fire permits for the areas between the top of the Takaka Hill, the top of the Totaranui Hill and the Parapara Bridge. The Department of Conservation issues fire permits for all other areas.
"I think people who don't get a permit or who don't bother to read the conditions on their permit are idiots. In Golden Bay you've got to have a permit all year round, not just during the summer season, but sadly a lot of locals and visitors don't bother to get a fire permit - whether it be for a cooking fire on the beach or to burn garden rubbish where they live.
"There are signs in various places throughout Golden Bay stating fire permits are required. The holiday parks, DOC office, I-Site and TDC service centre also have signs with our contact telephone numbers on them."
George can be contacted on 027 686 9093 for a fire permit. He was keen for us to publish the conditions he puts on every permit issued for fires on the beach.
1. Please build your fire 20m down the beach from the bank, below high water mark.
2. Do not light your fire if the breeze/wind is blowing towards the land.
3. Keep the fire size to 1m high by 1m wide.
4. Do not leave the fire unattended.
5. Put it out the fire with water (not sand) making sure it is completely out before leaving it.
Neil Wilson
