Far North blaze: Complex scrub fire still not contained after 20 days

Thursday, 6 January 2022

The Waiharara fire has been burning since December 18, and had a break-out on Wednesday night which burned 7ha next to State Highway 1.

The 2400ha wildfire in the Far North is still not contained, with a flare-up causing State Highway 1 to close on Wednesday night.

The Waiharara fire started on December 18 and has twice forced the evacuation of the settlement of Kaimaumau, although no homes have been lost.

On Thursday, 63 firefighters from around the country are working on the fire – up from 55 on Wednesday – alongside helicopters and heavy machinery.

A break-out of the Waiharara fire burnt through 7ha right next to SH1 on Wednesday.

Incident controller Nigel Dravitzki hoped the large crew would mean more could be achieved in securing containment lines around the fire's perimeter.

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The Waiharara fire caused SH1 - the only road to Cape Rēinga - to close for a time, and speed restrictions are still in place.

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Incident controller Nigel Dravitzki says the fire will still take time to be safely contained.

* 'The flames were massive': Residents fled Far North blaze during New Year's lunch

The fire is burning through a mixture of peat and wetland, adding complexity to the firefighting efforts.

“It’ still not contained … It’s still a very active fire.”

The unpredictability of the fire was demonstrated on Wednesday night, when a spot fire developed near State Highway 1.

The highway – the main road to Cape Rēinga – had to be closed for a time, then was reduced to one lane.

Dravitzki said the break-out burnt through 7ha but crews were able to keep it within the containment lines.

“It wasn't a big concern – we had enough staffing and resources to address it. Effectively, it looked quite spectacular and it impacted State Highway 1.”

On Thursday, the highway was still under a 50kmh speed limit, and Dravitzki urged motorists to slow down in the area, as conditions could change at any time.

The fire is so difficult to contain because of its complexity, as it runs through wetland, peat and scrub, including through Department of Conservation land, he said.

“We're physically having to do a lot of physical work in developing containment lines which will secure the perimeter. We can do that with heavy machinery, hand tools and fire back burning,” he said.

“I think we’re going to be here for a while yet.”

The firefighters include crews from Fire and Emergency NZ, the Department of Conservation, the Defence Force and forestry companies, who are all working well together, Dravitzki said.

A Mayoral Relief Fund has been set up to support people impacted by the blaze.

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.