Update on fires in Taranaki and Waitotara
Date: 06 February 2008
DOC staff are still working on the East Taranaki fires. The day has been more of a fire fighting mission than a mopping up day. High winds have reached 50 - 60 kph during the day limiting helicopter use and making it increasingly difficult as fires continue to reignite. As a result DOC fire fighters have done a remarkable job of preventing the fire from entering new areas of forest despite treacherous wind conditions. DOC will send in 17 fire fighters tomorrow to continue work in this area.
In the Waitotara area, 50 kilometres away from the East Taranaki fires, the risk to the neighbouring Conservation land has been significantly reduced as the fire fighters have been successful in removing several large burning trees. We will be keeping a watching brief on this fire tomorrow.