Nearly 50 car fires in Gisborne over last year

The mouth of the Waipaoa River (pictured), other roadside places along Centennial Marine Drive and the Matokitoki Valley have been common spots for the burning of vehicles. Photo / Murray Robertson

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is reminding the public to prioritise fire safety measures and ensure vehicle maintenance after a year of vehicle fires in Tairāwhiti.

Firefighters dealt with nearly 50 vehicle-related fires across the region in 2024, about half of which were suspicious fires involving stolen and/or dumped vehicles.

A senior Gisborne firefighter told the Gisborne Herald he felt the number in the stolen and dumped category was up considerably on previous years.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said firefighters attended 49 vehicle fire-related incidents across Tairāwhiti in 2024.

“The incidents happened in various settings and involved a mix of vehicle types, not just car fires,” the spokeswoman said.

“Public roads and streets where the fires happened were the most frequent locations.”

There were 20 vehicle fires on public roads and streets.

A car found on fire along with dumped rubbish on Centennial Marine Drive in October last year. Photo / Murray Robertson

“As well as that, the stats show there were six vehicle fires alongside houses, two in driveways and on private roads, one in a carport, two on vacant sections and two on farms.”

Four other vehicle fires were dealt with at commercial and retail premises, and eight in natural and open areas.

“There will be other car fires that have occurred in the district that Fire and Emergency has not responded to.”

Most of those fires were considered suspicious as probable arsons, and most involved abandoned and dumped vehicles, many of which had been stolen. Police were involved in inquiries.

“Vehicle-related fires are predominantly reported in urban and roadside settings, with public roads accounting for approximately 40% of all incidents,” the spokeswoman said.

“Fires occurring in residential settings, such as single houses or driveways, represent a significant portion of the total incidents.”

Some of the fires happened because the vehicle’s maintenance had been compromised.

“Fire and Emergency New Zealand urges the public to prioritise fire safety measures and ensure vehicle maintenance to reduce the risk of fire incidents.”