Far North fire: Hot, dry conditions increase risk of blaze spreading

Wednesday, 5 January 2022

Hot, dry weather may be a blessing for holidaymakers, but it is more of a curse for firefighters still battling a scrub fire in the Far North.

The wildfire in Waiharara, north of Kaitāia, has been burning since December 18 and has forced the evacuation of Kaimaumau on two separate occasions.

The focus on Wednesday was to ensure the 2400ha fire, burning in peat and wetlands, didn’t escape its containment lines, said Fire and Emergency incident controller John Sutton.

The hot, dry weather increases the risk of the 2400ha scrub fire – as seen from Rangiputa Beach – spreading into neighbouring grass.

The 55 firefighters, six bulldozers and diggers, and four helicopters working on Wednesday will cover priority areas on all four flanks of the fire.

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Sutton said crews had done a great job of stopping the fire from spreading in the last 19 days, but the hot, dry conditions increased the risk of spread.

“When the fire first started, it stopped when it reached the grass. Now, the grass is much dryer, and could quickly burn if the fire reaches grass.

“So, it is important we protect the boundary between the fire line and the grass.”

The weather forecast is for the hot and dry conditions to continue, and showers into the weekend may not reach the fire ground.

MetService forecaster Kyle Lee said Wednesday would be hot and fine in the Far North, with temperatures expected to reach 27 to 29 degrees Celsius.

On Thursday there would be southerly breezes, and it would be partially cloudy, but with no wet weather in sight, he said.

On Friday afternoon and evening, there will be an easterly change and showers developing. But Lee said the showers were more likely to hit Whangārei and the Bay of Islands than the Waiharara area.

This pattern repeats on Saturday and Sunday.

Sutton said a large amount of rain would be needed to dampen the fire, and showers could cause problems for firefighters as it would make dirt tracks muddy.

He anticipated it would take another week or two to control the blaze, which is the largest in Northland in several decades.

Fire and Emergency is working with the Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force and forestry contractors on the blaze.

He also acknowledged the support from the wider community, local iwi Ngāi Takoto, the hapū and whanāu of Kaimaumau, and local orchardists and landowners who gave access through their properties and the use of irrigation water.

On Tuesday, Far North Mayor John Carter set up a mayoral relief fund for individuals impacted by the fire, who will be able to apply for up to $1000.

The Government will contribute $20,000 towards the fund, Minister for Emergency Management Kiri Allan said.

“While we are focusing on the most vulnerable at this stage, those who have suffered loss or damage should know the Government will support them where it can and help this close-knit community get back to some normality as soon as possible,” she said.

People wishing to donate to the fund can make payments online or at any ASB Bank branch by quoting account number 12 3244 0022509 04. People wishing to apply to the fund can download an application form or email John.Carter@fndc.govt.nz