Firefighters are getting closer to bringing fires near Hanmer Springs under control, but strong winds forecast on Friday have some worried.
Incident controller and Hurunui principal rural fire officer Allan Grigg said firefighters needed to bring the fire under complete control soon, as north west winds were predicted for Friday. "We're going really good. It's still 100 per cent contained and we're moving up to 90 per cent controlled. It's not going anywhere at this point, but [Friday], it's crunch time."
A thermal imaging drone had identified more than 1000 hotspots in the are, which were being methodically exposed and extinguished.
Firefighters would not know until late Friday if it was fully under control. Embers caught up by the wind could float over a kilometer from a fire, igniting more spot fires.
Incident controller and Hurunui principal rural fire officer Allan Grigg said firefighters needed to bring the fire under complete control soon, as north west winds were predicted for Friday. "We're going really good. It's still 100 per cent contained and we're moving up to 90 per cent controlled. It's not going anywhere at this point, but [Friday], it's crunch time."
A thermal imaging drone had identified more than 1000 hotspots in the are, which were being methodically exposed and extinguished.
Firefighters would not know until late Friday if it was fully under control. Embers caught up by the wind could float over a kilometer from a fire, igniting more spot fires.
Fire fighters are still working to extinguish hot spots from the Hanmer Springs fires.
A Hurunui District Council spokeswoman said that while there was no ember transport on Friday morning, the risk of a break out would increase as the wind picked up during the day.
On Friday there were 10 ground crews, 14 fire trucks and three items of heavy machinery working on site, as well as three helicopters in the air.
As there would be fire fighters working in the area for some time, Grigg said it was imperative that people be mindful of those working to protect the area from the fires.
On Friday there were 10 ground crews, 14 fire trucks and three items of heavy machinery working on site, as well as three helicopters in the air.
As there would be fire fighters working in the area for some time, Grigg said it was imperative that people be mindful of those working to protect the area from the fires.
The burnt landscape mars the beauty of the Hurunui District.
He said he had seen "tourists stopping on the road side to take photos and people swerving into the other lane while they looked at the fire". "Please, can people watch and follow the 30kmh speed limit and be careful. Be conscious about careful driving." Grigg said a combination of hard and work, ample day light and low winds had allowed fire fighters to get on top of the blaze as quick as they had. "We were very lucky to get this fire as we did."
He said it was decided on Wednesday that no state of emergency needed to be declared as the services available were sufficient to the task. Grigg said he wanted to thank the "amazing people" of the 14 fire crews, 12 helicopters and members of the Port Hills fire management team who had assisted in fighting the Hanmer fires. "We can't thank them enough. And they all do it with a smile."
He said it was decided on Wednesday that no state of emergency needed to be declared as the services available were sufficient to the task. Grigg said he wanted to thank the "amazing people" of the 14 fire crews, 12 helicopters and members of the Port Hills fire management team who had assisted in fighting the Hanmer fires. "We can't thank them enough. And they all do it with a smile."
Rural fire fighters get some rest between fighting the Hanmer fires.
Hurunui District mayor Winton Dalley spoke to a group of fire fighters as they ate lunch, thanking them for their service in protecting the people and property of the district. "I know what hard yakka it is. I really appreciate everyone who's here." Dalley said good spring growth and the continuing harsh drought had left the district at risk of devastating fire. "This whole district's a tinder box, we just need to be so careful. All across North Canterbury."
He said there were some in the district who were affected by the drought who also suffered damage in the earthquakes. The last thing anyone needed was to add fire to that list. As for the drought, Dalley said he would continue to discuss solutions for the issue with the Ministry of Agriculture. "If we don't get substantial rain over the next few weeks, we'll be going into winter pretty precarious." All going well, Grigg said, some fire fighters would be in the area for around a week to monitor the area and prevent flare ups.
He said there were some in the district who were affected by the drought who also suffered damage in the earthquakes. The last thing anyone needed was to add fire to that list. As for the drought, Dalley said he would continue to discuss solutions for the issue with the Ministry of Agriculture. "If we don't get substantial rain over the next few weeks, we'll be going into winter pretty precarious." All going well, Grigg said, some fire fighters would be in the area for around a week to monitor the area and prevent flare ups.
Fire fighters were provided a cooked lunch as a respite from fighting the Hanmer fires.
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