31 January 2013

Off-road vehicles banned in Woodhill Forest

Auckland Council has banned all recreational off-road motorised vehicles in Woodhill Forest effective Friday 1 February due to the heightened fire risk.

Banned vehicles include quad bikes, motorbikes, dirt bikes and 4WD vehicles.

Council together with the forest manager will also close the following public right of ways from tomorrow:

• Trig Road to the Waionui inlet
• Rimmers Road to the 10 Mile car park
• Beach end of Wilson Road

Bryan Cartelle, Principal Rural Fire Officer says the ban is necessary because of the forecasted dry hot weather conditions on top of the already elevated fire danger.

“We ask that locals and visitors leave their off-road vehicles at home until the fire danger is no longer elevated and the closure has been lifted by the fire authority.

“Visitors can still enjoy walking, mountain-biking or horse riding through the forest on the formal tracks during the ban,” he says.

The Woodhill Equestrian Park, Woodhill Mountain Bike Park, and Tree Adventures are not affected by this ban.

There is currently a region wide fire ban across Auckland, which cancels all existing fire permits.

For further information please visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call Auckland Council on 09 3010101 to speak to one of the rural fire team.

Anyone who sees a suspicious fire or smoke should call the fire service immediately on 111.

ENDS

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