Port Hills Fire: Update 2pm

Monday 27 February

Media Update 2pm

Fire update

· Fire authorities describe the 35km perimeter of the fire area as now almost fully controlled. Controlled is defined as bare earth or blacked out ground for at least 10 metres.

· Yesterday and overnight 12mm of rain fell at the top of fire area, with around 5mm recorded lower down. Fire operations incident controller Mike Grant says the rainfall has helped reduce thermal activity and surface level hot spots, but had little effect on hot spots burning underground. There has also been some rock fall overnight on Dyers Pass Road as a result of the rain.

· Active hot spots are continuing to be seen – and this is likely to continue for another week or more. Fire crews are targeting hot spots in priority areas, including any located near unburnt vegetation and residential areas.

· Geotech assessments are being undertaken today in the Early Valley Road area to check on potential rockfall hazards.

Weather

Fire incident controller Mike Grant says firefighters are closely monitoring weather forecasts but do not anticipate any adverse weather impacts in the coming days.

Forecasts for the next 48 hours show relatively stable conditions with predominantly north-easterly winds, average wind speeds up to 24 km/h, and moderate temperatures ranging from about 12 to 19 degrees. Relative humidity levels also remain high at around 60 to 70%. No significant rain is forecast.

“These conditions are relatively benign, and as long as we can avoid hot, dry, blustery north-west winds, we can be confident of making good progress with our fire suppression efforts.

“We are continually monitoring forecasts and conditions on the ground, and we have the capacity to quickly ramp up our readiness should conditions change.”

ends

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