Fire Service moves in extra crews as Cyclone Pam nears

15 March 2015

More than 70 firefighters and 30 appliances and other specialist vehicles are moving into vulnerable North Island coastal areas as Cyclone Pam approaches the country.

Fire Service Deputy National Commander Paul McGill said deploying resources now would provide extra support for local crews and allow personnel to get into position in areas likely to be cut off by flooding.

“Getting in early will enable us to respond more effectively when the cyclone hits,” he said.

The Fire Service is moving an Auckland-based taskforce to Northland; a Hamilton and Rotorua-based taskforce to eastern Bay of Plenty; a Wellington-based taskforce to Hawke’s Bay; and a Hawke’s Bay taskforce to Poverty Bay.

Mr McGill said the Fire Service had activated three of its regional and five of its local co-ordination centres to ensure crews and equipment were used to best effect.

He said firefighters would provide as much assistance as possible to local communities. This was likely to include helping people isolated by flooding and slips or stuck in vehicles, pumping out flooded buildings, salvage work and securing damaged buildings.

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