Fire hits Woodend Beach reserve

Press, 23 February 1989, Page 7

Fire hits Woodend Beach reserve

A fire burnt about lOha of scrub in a reserve south of Woodend Beach last evening. Because it was impossible to get vehicle access to the fire, which started about 5.30 p.m. an Air Force helicopter and two private helicopters were called to dump water on the fire with monsoon buckets. A bulldozer was used to create access to the fire so fire appliances from Woodend, Rangiora and Kaiapoi could fight the fire when it became too dark for the helicopters to be used.

Difficulties obtaining sufficient water near the fire also meant some tankers had to travel to Woodend to fill up at hydrants.

The fire burnt a coastal strip about 100 to 200 m wide and 700 m long, said Mr Gareth James, the rural fire officer for the Rangiora District Council, which owns the reserve.

At 8.30 p.m. mainly marram grass had been burnt, although strong winds were trying to push the fire into plantation, he said. The helicopters were holding the fire and it was expected to be brought under control.

There was no threat to the Pines Beach community on the southern side of the reserve, he said.

Although this is the first fire in this reserve, tens of hectares of scrub and plantation have been burnt in neighbouring reserves this summer.