Tom DoddsThe man whom the New Zealand Fire Service tried to make foot the bill for an extensive fire says he will not pursue the matter of his incurred costs through the court system. Earlier this year, the Fire Service tried to get Dunedin man Tom Dodds to pay the $60,000 costs of fighting a fire on Waitaki Island, about 9km southeast of Kurow, that he had reported. The Fire Service believed its investigation proved Mr Dodds started the 75ha fire on January 9. It took crews days to put out, but the Fire Service thought it would be too costly to pursue Mr Dodds through the courts. Fire Service National Rural Fire Officer Kevin O'Connor said his organisation had not heard from Mr Dodds to confirm his decision.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 07, 2016 17:13 UTC