Tuesday 26 February 2013

Matakana fire now contained

The Dome Valley fire in Matakana has not spread overnight and all active burning is now within the containment lines.

A large ground based crew of 75 firefighters with two diggers and one bulldozer are onsite today. One helicopter is providing aerial support and another is on standby.

Bryan Cartelle, Principal Rural Fire Officer, says it is good to see progress but their job is certainly not over.

“The operation is now predominately ground based with the team continuing efforts to strengthen the containments line, put out active flames and dampen hot spots.

“Rugged terrain means this is pretty tough work and I want to acknowledge the dedication of all our volunteer firefighters and partners over the latter part of this fire season.

“The Auckland fire ban has now been in place for a month and we expect everyone to be following it without exception. Breaches of the ban and careless behaviour will not be tolerated,” he says.

The household water tankers have now been released from the operation and the community is thanked for its support.

“Our priority is wrapping this fire up as quickly as we can and also minimising impacts on the community, especially unpleasant smoke and dust.”

Ends

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Gordon Campbell: On Failures Of Care For Those With Mental Disabilities

Hard to imagine a more disturbing insight into the treatment of the vulnerable than the Health Ministry report on Te Roopu Taurima o Manukau. The Ministry has found that the country’s only kaupapa Maori intellectual disability residential care provider has been “seriously dysfunctional.”

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