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Passing motorists were alarmed to see flames shooting out from the back of a furniture warehouse in Silverdale recently, after a bathroom exhaust fan caught fire. Silverdale brigade senior station officer Jim Maclean said while the blaze looked spectacular, crews quickly controlled the fire and there was minimal damage to the building.
Apart from that, it’s been a relatively quiet few weeks for emergency services, with both police and fire officers reporting fewer callouts and an uneventful Guy Fawkes night, due probably to wet weather.
However, Officer Maclean said even with all the rain, there had still been several outdoor fires getting out of control, including one caused by birds setting up home in a very unsuitable spot.
“This is nesting time for starlings and we have had at least one fire in a farm vehicle caused by some inappropriate nest building, leading to a fire under the engine cover while mowing a field,” he said.
With the fire season expected to change from open to restricted in December, he said people should remember to check Auckland Council regulations and fire permit requirements for outdoor burning.
Meanwhile, Police area crime prevention manager Steve Pivac said officers had had a quiet month due mainly to teams working away on the Covid-19 borders between Tamaki Makaurau and Northland.
However, he said crime continued to bubble away locally, and he urged people to follow three basic crime prevention principles that could be summarised as routine, record and report.
“Do a few simple actions that will make it difficult for your property to be taken,” he said. “Have a daily dusk routine that includes going to your car to ensure it is locked and the windows are up. Make sure there are no valuables left inside. Check all your windows, doors and gates are locked or secured.”
Second, he said people should keep a record of their valuables, such as writing down serial numbers and photographing items.
And thirdly, they should record and report any suspicious activity.
“Most cell phones have great cameras, so if you see someone who looks like they’re up to no good, get out your phone and get a photo of them if you can, or get a photo of the registration of any vehicles they are with or in. This will help police hugely to track them down and hold them to account.”
