Far North fire: Winds continue to cause havoc as evacuees allowed home

Sunday, 16 January 2022

The Department of Conservation's Aroha Hughes explains how the Waiharara fire is impacting some of the rare species living in the Kaimaumau wetlands scientific reserve. (Video first published January 7.)

A fire still burning uncontained in the Far North after 30 days could cause smoke damage across State Highway 1 on Sunday.

The 2400ha Waiharara fire started on December 18, and an investigation into the cause of the blaze is still underway.

Since then, it has twice caused the evacuation of the seaside town of Kaimaumau, while three homes north of the fire were evacuated on Saturday afternoon.

This image from a Fire and Emergency NZ helicopter video shows helicopters working to douse flare-ups in the Waiharara fire.

On Sunday, the evacuees were allowed back into their homes, but were warned they may be asked to leave again overnight as a precaution.

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The fire has been flamed by high winds coming off Tropical Cyclone Cody, and Fire and Emergency NZ warned the wind could cause smoke to cross the state highway – the route between Kaitāia and Cape Reinga – and could impact neighbours.

Eight helicopters are working on the fire on Sunday, along with 63 firefighters working on the ground to strengthen existing control lines.

The firefighters include Fire and Emergency NZ crew from around the country, the Defence Force, Department of Conservation firefighters and forestry workers.

While no buildings have been lost at Waiharara, wāhi tapu (culturally sacred) sites have been damaged, and endangered flora and fauna at the Kaimaumau wetlands could take 10 to 15 years to recover.