Great Barrier Island fire - update No. 5
Media advisory No 5
4.10pm, 24 January
2013
Great Barrier Island fire - update No. 5
Changes in heat and humidity this afternoon
have seen renewed fire activity within the contained fire
area.
Visible flames and smoke are due to controlled vegetation burn-offs within the contained area.
Forty five volunteer rural firefighters continue to work on the fire’s containment perimeter and a helicopter remains on the Island to support activities.
No properties are under threat.
Auckland Council’s Rural Fire team, with the assistance of the Department of Conservation ground crews, is working in shifts to suppress any further breakouts and dampen hotspots.
Strengthening the containment lines in preparation for the weekend’s forecast is top priority for the team.
The New Zealand Defence Force is also assisting with transporting additional supplies to the ground crews on the island.
Auckland Council’s Rural Fire team is leading the response with further assistance from the Fire Service, National Rural Fire Authority and the Police.
Ends