Waikari Fire Update #4

20 February 2024

Three crews of firefighters are back at work on the Waikari fire in the Hurinui District this morning, supported by one helicopter.

Incident Commander Des Irving says steady rain overnight meant conditions became very slippery so firefighters on the night shift were brought down from the hills early this morning for safety.

Today’s crews have been airlifted to the fireground by helicopter and are working with handtools to mop up hotspots.

The work of extinguishing the fire has been helped by the rain and the cool conditions. If the current rate of progress continues, the fireground may be handed back to the landowners later today.

Des Irving is cautioning that the rain has not changed the underlying high fire danger, and he is asking people to remain vigilant and to call 111 immediately if they see smoke.