Date: 22 February 2010

Mayor Commends Fire Service And Community During Fire

Porirua City Mayor Jenny Brash applauds the efforts of the Fire Service, helicopter pilots, Kapiti Mana Police and the Porirua community during a dramatic fire on Whitireia Park that damaged 20 hectares of the reserve.

"Thanks to their efforts the huge fire that was deliberately lit was contained within the park's boundaries."

The fire on Department of Conservation land in Titahi Bay started near a car park at Onehunga Bay yesterday afternoon and spread quickly up the steep terrain fanned by norwest winds.

"Today, three bush crews are dampening down the buffer zone and fighting the occasional flare up near houses that border the park. They are also removing scrub and other fuels using chain saws, slashers and grubbers. This remedial work is expected to be completed later today although the park will continue to be monitored for the next few days.

"I would like to thank sincerely - on behalf of the city and the residents who were affected - the fire crews from across the region, the helicopter pilots and the police who worked very long hours through the night and into today, ensuring the safety of residents and properties bordering the park. At times the flames came within five metres of some homes so this was a terrifying situation for many residents. The response has just been amazing."

150 people were evacuated from the Gloaming Hill area and most were not able to return to their homes until this morning. The Council's Emergency Operations Centre was working until midnight last night and a welfare centre was set up at Niblick Hall in Titahi Bay for evacuees.

"The Titahi Bay and wider community rallied to help and we got a number of calls from residents across the city offering to open their homes to evacuees. Takapuwahia Marae also prepared to take people if numbers were great. I am proud of our communities who never fail to rally round in times of need."

During the height of the fire up to 70 firefighters were working on the ground and four helicopters with monsoon buckets continued their efforts from the air.

A 14 year old youth appeared in the Porirua Youth Court this morning facing a charge of arson relating to the fire.

Mayor Brash says she was appalled to learn that the fire was deliberately lit by a 14 year-old.

"The costs of putting out the fire have been huge and the stress those local residents have been through in terms of threats to properties has been great. Native bush that was being regenerated has also been destroyed. This boy must be made accountable and he should apologise to affected residents and face up to the consequences of his actions."

ENDS

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