Port Hills Fire Public Update – 1.50 pm
Port Hills Fire Public Update – Sunday 26
February
Media Update – 1.50
pm
Dyers Pass Road cordons
A
team is out the field this afternoon reviewing the Dyers
Pass Road cordons, as reopening this key route is a high
priority. We are getting a lot of queries about when Dyers
Pass Road will open to the public and recognise the
significance of this road. We will update you if the cordon
situation changes.
At this stage three hard cordons
remain on Dyers Pass Road. One is at the bottom where it
meets Governors Bay Road, however residents who live on the
section up to the hairpin bend about halfway up to the Sign
of the Kiwi are permitted access to their properties. Dyers
Pass Road is closed from this hairpin bend to the entrance
of Victoria Park due to the fire risk and safety
issues.
Other cordons
There are 11
cordons in total. While cordons at Worsleys Road, Kennedys
Bush Road, Hoon Hay Valley Road and Dyers Pass Road have
been relaxed, this is for residents only. There is still no
access for members of the public. Access for tradespeople to
repair damaged houses is being arranged.
Cordons are also
being maintained at the entrance to Halswell Quarry during
air operations to ensure public safety.
We are reminding
people to resist the temptation to come and have a look
around the area, this includes mountain bikers and runners.
The area remains an operational fire zone with cordons still
in place.
Fire behaviour modelling indicates the chance
of another outbreak is low but if it did happen, significant
damage could still occur.
Fire
crews
A total of 25 fire crews, with around 150
firefighters on the ground.
An infrared scan from the air
this morning showed continuing deep-seated activity across
the area. There is a continuing overall reduction in hot
spots – but we are still seeing a number of areas where
hot spots remain. The crews are focusing on these. Drones
are being used during nightshifts and early mornings for
this thermal imaging.
Heavy machinery is now being used for the ongoing removal of dangerous trees.
Weather
High humidity and lower temperatures are helping with suppressing the fire, and the today’s rain is welcome.