Launch takes fire crew to Hauraki Gulf island

A fire crew went by police launch to a small island in the Hauraki Gulf after a controlled burn-off got out of hand today.

The launch Deodar transported the crew to Rakino Island, off central Auckland.

The police helicopter Eagle reported that the incident involved a scrub fire that has been been intentionally lit by a local person as a controlled burn-off.

The helicopter crew, which had landed on the island and was speaking to residents, recommended that a monsoon bucket be used to put out the fire.

Rakino Island measures about 1.5km by 750m and has about 35 permanent residents.


The fire was later brought under control.


- NZPA