January 16, 2009

A fire which burnt about 500sq m of Department of Conservation land on the Karikari Peninsula appeared to be centred at a camp site.
The fire, which started about 3pm yesterday, damaged regenerating native bush at Knucklepoint Scenic Reserve.
When firefighters arrived at the camp they discovered a burnt out caravan. A nearby truck, tractor and tent escaped unscathed.
Kaitaia Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Whitlow described the fire as suspicious. Its cause had yet to be determined. Two vehicles were seen leaving the scene, he said. Twenty-two firefighters from Mangonui, Karikari and Kaitaia attended the blaze.