Controlled fire sparks reminder
Greytown Fire Station chief Seth Rance is urging people who plan to have a controlled burn-off to report it on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand phone number [04 801 0812]. The reminder comes after Greytown, Carterton, and Martinborough fire stations responded with four trucks to a “huge 22-hectare stubble fire” that the crews didn’t realise had been planned until they spoke with the farmer at the address just outside Greytown last week. The crews were at the scene for just five minutes and took the opportunity to remind the farmer of his obligations. There was a similar callout to a property south of Greytown on SH2 on Friday afternoon that turned out to be a controlled fire.
Commercial fire
Fire crews from Woodville and Pahiatua stations responded with three appliances to a 111 call regarding a fire at commercial premises in Woodville at 12.40am on Sunday. A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesperson said the fire was put out at 1.18am. The building was evacuated at the time, and no one was injured. The fire is not being treated as suspicious, although a a fire investigator has been called in to determine the cause of the blaze.
Shoplifting
Police responded to a report of shoplifting at The Warehouse in Masterton on Sunday. Wairarapa Police senior sergeant Gareth Barnes said a security guard stopped a youth exiting the store with items in a handbag. “The value of the stolen items is being added up. The individual was referred to youth aid.”
Boil water notice
Tararua District Council is advising residents that a boil water notice has been issued for Pongaroa. Due to mechanical issues with a UV light at a water treatment plant, the plant is currently unable to treat water according to NZ drinking water standards.
