Key Takeaways
- A scrub fire in rural Hastings has destroyed buildings and prompted evacuations
- One person has been taken to hospital in a serious condition, and another ambulance and a rapid response vehicle are on standby
- Fire crews are working to contain the fire, which is approximately 400 by 200m in size
- The fire is located between the Fernhill township and the Ngaruroro River bridge on SH50
- Residents in the area are advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke exposure
- A section of SH50, Fernhill, has been closed and will remain closed overnight due to the fire
Introduction to the Fire
A devastating scrub fire has broken out in rural Hastings, destroying buildings and prompting evacuations. The fire, which is located between the Fernhill township and the Ngaruroro River bridge on SH50, has been burning since Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews have been working tirelessly to contain the blaze, with five trucks, three tankers, and support vehicles on the scene. Despite their efforts, the fire is still burning, and residents in the area are being advised to take precautions to avoid smoke exposure.
Evacuations and Injuries
The fire has already had a significant impact on the local community, with several homes being evacuated and one person taken to hospital in a serious condition. Another ambulance and a rapid response vehicle are on standby, and fire crews are working to ensure that everyone in the area is safe. The Farmhouse Lodge, which is located near the fire, has been evacuated, and the owner, Dawson Bliss, has reported that the fire has destroyed some of the buildings on the property. Bliss has also stated that he and his wife have been moved to a safe location, along with the tenants, and are currently awaiting further instructions.
Firefighting Efforts
The firefighting efforts are being hindered by the windy conditions, which are making it difficult for air operations to take place. However, fire crews are doing their best to contain the fire, with five trucks and three tankers working to extinguish the blaze. The fire is approximately 400 by 200m in size, and fire crews are working to create a fire break to prevent it from spreading further. Bliss has reported that he had put tracks on the hilly property to act as fire breaks, which have helped to contain the fire to some extent.
Impact on the Community
The fire has had a significant impact on the local community, with many residents being advised to stay indoors and keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke exposure. The fire has also prompted the closure of a section of SH50, Fernhill, which will remain closed overnight. Police are advising motorists to take alternate routes or expect delays, and residents are being warned to avoid the area due to the fire. The mayor of Hastings, Wendy Schollum, has expressed her heartfelt sympathy to everyone impacted by the fire, stating that it is a "really distressing time of year for our community to be facing something like this."
Prevention and Safety
The fire has highlighted the importance of adhering to fire bans, particularly during periods of high fire danger. Schollum has stated that the complete fire ban in place in Hawke’s Bay is something that the community needs to take seriously, and that includes things like fireworks. With record high temperatures last month, compounded by high winds, the fire danger level in the area is extremely high. Residents are being advised to take precautions to prevent fires from starting, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.
Conclusion
The scrub fire in rural Hastings is a devastating reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention. The fire has already had a significant impact on the local community, with several homes being evacuated and one person taken to hospital. Fire crews are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, but the windy conditions are making it difficult for them to do so. Residents in the area are being advised to take precautions to avoid smoke exposure, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential that the community comes together to support those affected by the fire and to take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
