Forestry Burn-offs Set for Makara Area

A series of large fires are to be lit in the Takarau Gorge area – between Johnsonville and Makara Beach – in the next few weeks to burn waste wood left after the logging of a pine forest in the area.


About 40 large piles of ‘logging slash' will be burned in a controlled operation, weather permitting, involving the land owner and the Wellington Rural Fire Force. Most of the material is on flat land beside the Ohariu Stream – and the main purpose of the operation is to get rid of the material before it is washed away in floods.

Wellington Principal Rural Fire Officer Jock Darragh says he has issued a fire permit for the operation until 30 November. "We'll only light the fires on days when the winds are light – and of course there'll be people on site at all times to keep things under control."

Mr Darragh says warning signs will be posted on the Takarau Gorge Road – and he encourages motorists to steer clear of the area if possible. "There'll be quite a lot of activity and large vehicles moving about – and the road is narrow."

Related Links
Fire - Volunteer Fire Force