Chatham Islands Fire in Process of Being Contained

Two helicopters and two firefighting crews have been in action today working on the Chatham Islands fire – which is now in the process of being contained.

The helicopters with monsoon buckets started work today dousing the fire, supporting the ground crews. It is expected that this level of firefighting activity will continue for a further seven to 12 days.

“Having the helicopters on site also means we can move quickly to dampen hot spots and flare ups,” says Craig Cottrill, Principal Rural Fire Officer. “They have carried out low level flyovers of the fire and we have a better sense of the size of it. We estimate it to be around 3000 hectares – or around the equivalent size of 4000 rugby fields.”

The fire currently has not spread to the Department of Conservation scenic reserve.

There has been a gentle northerly wind, and some rain overnight.

“The Incident Management Team is operating out of the Chatham Islands Council building and we thank the Council and community for looking after the wellbeing of our visiting firefighters,” says Craig Cottrill.

--ENDS—

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