Fierce fight to contain forest fire

Press, 20 April 1981, Page 2

Fierce fight to contain forest fire

Fire-fighters and earthmoving equipment worked yesterday to control the smouldering fire which has destroyed an estimated 70 hectares of the Balmoral State Forest. Gale-force north-westerlies set the fire off at midday on Saturday from the remains of a controlled burn-off earlier in the week. The assistant forestry conservator of operations in Christchurch {Mr T. E. C. Bridge), said that the high winds hampered the efforts of fire crews, spreading the fire over several areas and preventing the use of helicopters with monsoon buckets. Damage estimates would not be available until today when forestry staff had assessed the extent of the fire, he said. The wind-fanned flames burned for several hours un-

til they were brought under control on Saturday evening. A night-shift crew, includ,ing the high-country firefighting team, worked through the night watching for flare-ups and containing the burning areas. Bulldozers and graders spent yesterday clearing firebreaks before beaters moved in to put out still smouldering areas. The Army and Air Force also sent about 40 helpers from Burnham and Wigram to patrol the burnt areas. Fir-e watchers would stand by for another two days Until the fire was completely out, said Mr Bridge. More than 60 Forestry staff and firemen were called in at the height of the fire oh Saturday afternoon. Neighbouring' State forests and the Hanmer and Ctilverden . volunteer fire brigades sent crews and about six fire engines.