Discarded flare had potential for disaster

3 February 2016

An unused flare discarded at the Broadlands Road landfill had the potential to cause a major fire when it activated after being driven over by a digger late last week.

Infrastructure manager Denis Lewis said it was only the quick actions of staff on site that ensured any damage was limited.

The emergency plan was put into action and the flare was removed, taken to a hard area and smothered with dirt, he said. It was also fortunate it had been raining and the landfill was damp. If the conditions had been different we could have been looking at a major fire, which could have burned for days and cost ratepayers thousands of dollars to extinguish.

Mr Lewis said it was important people disposed of flares the correct way.

Any unused flares, expired or otherwise, should be taken to the Harbourmaster's office, he said. If anyone had doubts about the material they were dumping they should talk to the staff at the landfill office.

END

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz