Key Takeaways:
- The Springfield Road area in Hawke’s Bay has seen a significant increase in rubbish dumping and deliberate fires, with four fires reported in November alone.
- The problem has been ongoing for 25-30 years, but has escalated in the last two or three years, with people dumping green waste, household rubbish, and even burning their trash.
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging the community to take extra care, as the fire zone remains in a restricted fire season, and lighting fires without a permit is illegal and can lead to dangerous situations.
- The Napier City Council has reviewed transfer station fees annually, but some residents are calling for more to be done to address the issue, including the installation of surveillance cameras.
- The community is advised to apply for a fire permit before lighting any outdoor fire, avoid burning during hot, dry, or windy conditions, and report suspicious fire activity immediately.
Introduction to the Problem
The Springfield Road area in Hawke’s Bay has been plagued by rubbish dumping and deliberate fires, with the problem escalating in recent years. Heather Symons, a resident whose family has lived on the road for generations, says that the area has always been a hot spot for people to dump their rubbish, but the situation has worsened with people now burning their trash. This has led to a significant increase in fires, with four reported in November alone, including two rubbish fires and a vegetation fire at the Otatara Pā Historic Reserve.
The History of the Problem
The problem of rubbish dumping on Springfield Road is not new, with residents reporting that it has been an issue for 25-30 years. However, in the last two or three years, the problem has escalated, with people dumping large quantities of green waste, household rubbish, and even burning their trash. Chris Marwick, a resident who lives further down the road, says that he is constantly calling the Napier City Council to report the dumping, but the problem persists. Despite the council’s efforts to address the issue, including installing a fence and bollards, people continue to dump their rubbish, and now, they are even burning it.
The Risks and Consequences
The deliberate lighting of fires on Springfield Road poses a significant risk to the community, particularly during the summer months when the fire danger is high. Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s community risk manager, Nigel Hall, warns that these seemingly small fires could have devastating consequences if they spread into surrounding vegetation or property before crews arrive. The fire zone remains in a restricted fire season, and lighting fires without a permit is not only illegal but can lead to dangerous situations. The community is urged to take extra care and to report any suspicious fire activity immediately.
The Council’s Response
The Napier City Council has reviewed transfer station fees annually, taking into consideration the disposal costs at the landfill, logistics and transportation costs associated with waste haulage, and operational and maintenance costs to keep the site operational. However, some residents are calling for more to be done to address the issue, including the installation of surveillance cameras. The council has received 22 requests concerning dumped rubbish or illegal dumping on Springfield Road so far this year, and contractors are regularly collecting rubbish from the area. However, the problem persists, and residents are calling for a more effective solution.
Prevention and Education
To prevent further fires and address the issue of rubbish dumping, the community is advised to apply for a fire permit before lighting any outdoor fire, avoid burning during hot, dry, or windy conditions, and report suspicious fire activity immediately. Fire and Emergency New Zealand urges everyone to take responsibility for their actions and to be mindful of the risks associated with lighting fires. The community can visit the website www.checkitsalright.nz for more information or to apply for a permit. By working together, the community can reduce the risk of fires and keep the area safe.
Conclusion
The problem of rubbish dumping and deliberate fires on Springfield Road is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted solution. While the Napier City Council has taken steps to address the issue, more needs to be done to prevent further fires and keep the community safe. The community is urged to take extra care, report suspicious activity, and work together to prevent the escalation of this problem. By doing so, the area can be kept safe, and the risk of devastating fires can be reduced.