Crews to remain at Waipara fire overnight

1 Mahuru 2024

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews are continuing work to contain a fire burning in a forestry block north of Waipara, North Canterbury.

Incident Commander Des Irving says 30 firefighters were fighting the fire this evening, which is roughly 40 hectares in size.

The fire, which remains within the forest area, is not contained or controlled.

"We had the fire contained this afternoon, but wind swirls caused the fire to jump the containment line and it is now burning through unmilled timber," says Des Irving.

An incident management team will be working through the night planning for tomorrow’s activities.

"Fire crews will remain on site overnight to monitor the fire. We will also have drones flying overnight to assist with fire mapping and intelligence."

Multiple helicopters will assist in fighting the fire tomorrow morning while ground crews and heavy machinery will continue work to protect the standing forest and work on re-establishing containment lines.

"With warm and windy weather conditions forecast we are asking people of Canterbury not to light fires outside in the coming days.

"We also urge people to check that old burn piles are fully extinguished," says Des Irving.

"Thank you to the Waipara community for the support and understanding as our crews have continued work over the weekend. We expect to remain at the fireground for the rest of the week."

This will be the last update for this evening unless there are any significant changes.