Key Takeaways
- A large forestry fire is burning in the Lismore Forest near Whanganui, covering over 100 hectares of land.
- Firefighters, helicopters, and heavy machinery are working to contain the fire before winds pick up in the afternoon.
- The fire has burnt through cutover pine forest across several gullies and has reached standing trees, but has not yet spread to the tops of the trees.
- The cause of the fire is still unknown, and no properties have been evacuated.
- Firefighters are using a strategic approach to combat the fire, prioritizing areas of high risk and letting some areas burn while focusing on more pressing tasks.
Introduction to the Fire
The Lismore Forest near Whanganui is currently battling a large forestry fire that has been raging since Sunday evening. The fire was first reported at 5:15 pm and has since spread to cover over 100 hectares of land. Firefighters, helicopters, and heavy machinery are working tirelessly to contain the fire before winds pick up in the afternoon, which could potentially spread the fire further. The fire has burnt through cutover pine forest across several gullies and has reached standing trees, but has not yet spread to the tops of the trees.
Firefighting Efforts
The firefighting efforts are being led by incident controller Renee Potae, who has stated that the fire has "meandered into the ground fuels underneath the tall trees." As a result, helicopters and ground crews are working together to ensure that the fire stays on the ground and does not spread to the tops of the trees. Five helicopters are currently at the scene, and additional ground crews will be added later in the day to stagger the attack. The temperature is expected to rise throughout the day, with winds picking up in the afternoon, which could make it more challenging to contain the fire.
Challenges and Strategies
The firefighting efforts are being hampered by the steep terrain, which made it difficult for crews to access the area at night. As a result, a small crew remained to patrol the area and put out spot fires on the access road. The fire is also being fueled by different types of fuel, including cutover forest and standing trees, which requires a strategic approach to combat. Potae has stated that the fire fight is a "strategic one," and that crews are prioritizing areas of high risk and letting some areas burn while focusing on more pressing tasks. This approach allows crews to manage the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
Cause of the Fire and Evacuations
The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the origin of the blaze. Fortunately, no properties have been evacuated, and the fire is currently not threatening any residential areas. However, the fire is still a significant concern, and crews are working hard to contain it before it spreads further. The fire has the potential to cause significant damage to the environment and wildlife, and it is essential that it is brought under control as soon as possible.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the Lismore Forest fire is a significant concern, and crews are working hard to contain it. The fire has burnt through over 100 hectares of land and has the potential to cause significant damage to the environment and wildlife. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and an investigation is currently underway to determine the origin of the blaze. As the fire continues to burn, it is essential that crews remain vigilant and continue to work together to bring it under control. The strategic approach being used by firefighters, combined with the use of helicopters and ground crews, is the best way to manage the fire and prevent it from spreading further. With the winds expected to pick up in the afternoon, it is crucial that crews remain focused and work together to contain the fire.