Large blaze in Taupo highlights tinder dry conditions

18 February 2015

Volunteer firefighters have worked through the night to extinguish a blaze that took hold on about four hectares of grass and scrub alongside the East Taupo Arterial yesterday evening.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Phil Parker said the alarm was raised at about 7pm, just as the Taupo rural firefighting unit were about to start their weekly training session.

It appeared a bird had flown into a power line bringing it down and causing it to arc, igniting grass in the surrounding area. Residents at Waitahanui and Hatepe were without power for a period.

Two helicopters with monsoon buckets and five fire crews provided an initial attack, with crowds of onlookers gathering to watch the action.

Mr Parker said forestry workers and rural firefighters were continuing to work on the Landcorp property today, digging out and dampening down hotspots.

The fire risk in the district was extreme and a total fire ban was in place.

The ban means permits for open fires in rural areas will not be issued under any circumstance and it is vital any suspicious smoke is immediately reported to emergency services by calling 111, he said.

We need everyone to exercise extreme caution when dealing with fire or potential ignition sources. Even something as simple as a smouldering cigarette butt can put our district at risk, he said.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz