Low tide on Tuesday afternoon allowed fire fighters to walk across to Rat Island to deal with a small fire.
They used shovels and backpack sprays to douse a small vegetation fire, believed to have been started by children playing. The alarm was raised about 3pm.

Rat Island, near Turret Road in Waimapu Estuary. Photo courtesy of Chris Parker.

In a separate incident Tauranga police arrested a 15 year old male on a serious assault charge. The Welcome Bay youth was arrested at the police station at 12.50pm charged with male assaults female. He has been bailed to appear in court on January 11.
Other arrests yesterday include a 30 year old unemployed man charged with theft at Pak n Save at 11.10am.
A 32 year old unemployed Papamoa Beach man is to appear in court today charged with breaching a protection order, driving while disqualified for the third or subsequent time, dangerous driving and breaching bail. He was arrested at the 15th Avenue and Fraser Street intersection at 3pm.
Overnight arrests include a 27 year old naval rating from the North Shore arrested in Mount Maunganui at 12.40am for disorderly behaviour.
At 1.50am a 47 year old seaman from Te Puna was arrested in Harrington Street for disorderly behaviour. At 1.55am a 23 year old female student from Napier was arrested in Harrington Street for disorderly behaviour. A 43 year old pre-caster from Te Puna was arrested in Harrington Street at 1.45am charged with resisting police, obstructing police. A 22 year old builder from Te Puna was arrested at 1.49am charged with disorderly behaviour.