15 November 2007

Rangitoto smoke is no joke

The Department of Conservation is concerned that a publicity stunt which sent plumes of smoke from the summit of Rangitoto this morning could have caused a serious fire on the island reserve.

“The publicity stunt that took place on Rangitoto was no joke,” said acting Auckland Area Manager Jonathan Miles.

“The event organisers had not sought a permit from the Department of Conservation to conduct this activity.

“Fire is one of the biggest threats to our conservation estate,” said Jonathan Miles. “A total open fire ban is in place at all times on Rangitoto.”

Rangitoto is a very special place with a fragile ecosystem that has been emerging over the island’s short 600 year history. It is the largest pohutukawa forest in the world.

Open fires are not permitted on conservation islands in the Hauraki Gulf. These include Rangitoto, Motutapu, Motuihe, Motuora, Tiritiri Matangi, Moturekareka, Kaikoura, Rakitu, parts of Great Barrier and Burgess Islands, Hauturu (Little Barrier) and the Mokohinaus.

ENDS

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