Tasman fire above SH65 - Fire crews working to finish operations today

 

Shenandoah Saddle fire in Tasman

Yesterday firefighters were looking to finish operations for the Shenandoah Saddle fire in the Tasman District which started on Monday, but continued today Wednesday 25th Jan 2023 working to dampen the hotspots on the fire ground.

Firefighters and four helicopters are working on a fire burning on conservation land on the northern side of the Shenandoah Saddle.

Fire and Emergency District Manager Grant Haywood says “the fire was 80 percent contained by nightfall Tuesday and a crew remained on site overnight to monitor the situation.”

Today, firefighters are looking to finish operations for the Shenandoah Saddle fire.

The fire is estimated to have burned through 50 hectares of conservation land since Monday morning. It is situated to the west of State Highway 65.

One Fire and Emergency crew, one crew from the Department of Conservation and 2 helicopters are working to dampen the hotspots on the fire ground today.

"There are some deep-seated hotspots on the fire ground that our crews are working hard to mop up," District Manager Grant Haywood says.

While there is some rain forecast for today, Grant Haywood says it is unlikely to impact the hotspots. "However, with light wind and a bit of rain forecast, the conditions aren’t looking too bad for our crews today," he says.

Grant Haywood says activity will concentrate on completing the containment lines around the fire and dealing with hotspots.

Grant Haywood says that the fire is burning in steep terrain that is difficult for ground crews to access. No properties are threatened and SH65 has reopened under traffic management. Refer to Waka Kotahi for information about the State Highway: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

Grant Haywood says the crews have been working hard over the last two days to put out the fire. "The fire crews, including crews from DOC, have been doing a tremendous job. We really appreciate the support," he says.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Pigeon Post News, Richmond