Media advisory No 3
3.35pm, 23 January 2013

Great Barrier Island fire - update No. 3
Good progress has been made today on the Great Barrier Island fire.

Big gains have been made in reducing the fire front to the southwest of Claris airfield, and containment on all three fire fronts has progressed well.

Bryan Cartelle, Principal Rural Fire Officer says he is pleased with progress.

“Diggers are now excavating firebreaks. The three helicopters and 40 crew will continue their work until dusk.”

“Two fresh Department of Conservation fire fighting teams arrive today and additional crews are also on their way from Nelson and Rotorua. They begin work tomorrow morning, relieving today’s crews.”

There have been no requests made for welfare assistance today and everyone on the island has rallied around and helped out.

“I would like to thank all the crews and everyone who has gone the extra mile today – it’s been a big effort.”

“Currently we are experiencing 20 to 25km/hr northeasterly breezes, which should ease to less than 10km/h this evening, which will aid our efforts.”

Police also have extra officers present on the island overnight.

The cause of the fire has not been established and is being investigated.

This is the final media update for today. Our next update will be at 10.00am tomorrow morning, after reconnaissance.

Ends

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