A fire investigator is looking into the cause of a blaze that gutted a Whangārei home yesterday. Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) was called to the fire, in Fairburn Rd, Raumanga, just before 1.30pm yesterday. The house - which is believed to be a rental property - was badly damaged in the fire and initial investigations indicate that it started in the lounge about 15 minutes after the occupants had gone out. The house was fortunately fitted with working smoke alarms and they alerted a neighbour who rang 111.
Dog attacks child
A child has been seriously injured in a dog attack in the Mid North. It is understood the young girl was bitten by a neighbour's dog on Mangatawa Rd, Ōtaua, late on Tuesday afternoon. Family members took her to Hokianga Hospital in Rawene for treatment. A Far North District Council spokesman said animal management officers responded to the incident and the offending dog was in council custody. The incident was being investigated.
Water restrictions
Level 4 water restrictions that allow for household use only have been put in place in Dargaville and Baylys Beach, effective Tuesday this week. This decision comes off the back of a period of dry weather, no rainfall, and no forecast rain for the next four weeks. These restrictions apply to all households and business on the Kaipara District Council water supply. There are no water restrictions in Whangarei, while Level 2 and 3 restrictions are in place in towns in the Far North District.
