Ahipara fire: Firefighters work to dampen hotspots as residents return
31 Dec, 2020 05:00 AM
2 minutes to read
Peter de Graaf is a reporter for the Northern Advocatepeter.degraaf@northernadvocate.co.nznorthernadvocat
About 30 firefighters are continuing to work in sweltering conditions to dampen down hotspots at the Ahipara fire.
The blaze, which started on the evening of December 29 on a ridge above town in the Gumfields Historic Reserve, swept through 56ha of scrub and bush and forced the evacuation of up to 100 homes.
It was 90 per cent contained by mid-morning on December 30 when the number of helicopters in use was reduced from six to three.
Pretty horrendous : Fire near Ahipara spreads; Far North Mayor fears for homes as 40 properties evacuated
29 Dec, 2020 09:57 AM
4 minutes to read
Dozens of residents have been evacuated from their homes tonight as a fire burns through scrub in the Far North, with fears homes could be destroyed by the blaze if winds continue.
The fire started about 5.45pm in Ahipara Gumfields Historic Reserve and quickly spread through dry scrub despite the best efforts of multiple crews and six helicopters.
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About 40 properties on Reef View and Wharo Way were evacuated by police as a safety precaution.
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Mayor John Carter tonight told the Herald helicopters had been stood down - they can t work in the dark - and it was difficult to know what the fire would do overnight.