Key Takeaways
- A large fire broke out in a pine forest near Whanganui, covering an area of 100 hectares
- 50 firefighters and four helicopters were deployed to contain the fire
- The fire was burning a mixture of pine and other vegetation, and was spread across 2-3 kilometers in diameter
- Crews and helicopters worked to stop the fire from spreading further, with three pumps and five rural pumps in action
- The fire was still actively burning on Sunday night, with firefighters continuing to tackle the blaze
Introduction to the Fire
The Whanganui region experienced a significant fire outbreak on Sunday evening, with 50 firefighters and four helicopters working to contain a large fire in a pine forest. The fire, which was located in the Lismore Forest along State Highway Four, was first reported at around 5:15pm. By 10pm on Sunday night, the fire was still burning across 100 hectares, with multiple fires burning within the perimeter. The fire was burning a mixture of pine and other vegetation, and had spread to an area of 2-3 kilometers in diameter.
Firefighting Efforts
The firefighting efforts were led by Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ), with 14 crews of firefighters and four helicopters deployed to the scene. The helicopters were equipped with monsoon buckets, which were used to drop water on the fire in an effort to stop it from spreading further. In addition to the helicopters, three pumps from Whanganui and three water tankers were in action, as well as five rural pumps from Whanganui, Manawatu, and Kohi. The crews worked tirelessly to contain the fire, with firefighters on the ground supported by the helicopters. Despite their efforts, the fire continued to burn, with 10-15 km/h winds fanning the flames and making it difficult to estimate the exact area of vegetation affected.
Challenges in Containing the Fire
One of the challenges faced by the firefighters was the fact that the fire was burning in a gully, which made it difficult to access and estimate the exact area of vegetation affected. Additionally, the fire was burning in a mixture of pine and other vegetation, which made it harder to contain. The wind also played a significant role in spreading the fire, with the 10-15 km/h winds fanning the flames and making it difficult for the firefighters to gain control. Despite these challenges, the crews continued to work tirelessly to contain the fire, with traffic management in place to allow forestry and roading contractors’ machinery to be relocated.
Ongoing Efforts to Contain the Fire
As the night wore on, the helicopters were stood down, but were set to return in the morning to continue the firefighting efforts. The firefighters on the ground continued to work through the night, supported by the pumps and water tankers. The fire was still actively burning on Sunday night, with crews continuing to tackle the blaze. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation is likely to be launched once the fire has been brought under control. In the meantime, the firefighters will continue to work to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Conclusion
The fire in the Whanganui region is a significant incident that highlights the importance of firefighting efforts in preventing the spread of wildfires. The quick response of the firefighters and the deployment of resources, including helicopters and pumps, have helped to contain the fire, but the ongoing efforts of the crews will be crucial in bringing the fire under control. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and follow the instructions of the authorities to ensure public safety. With the fire still actively burning, the community will be hoping for a swift and successful outcome to the firefighting efforts.
