Community Meeting at Appleby School

Around 200 people were at another community meeting at Appleby School. They were grateful for the massive effort that has gone into fighting the fire. Many residents from the affected area are worried about what might be happening to their homes ... and farm animals and pets they have left behind. Lindsay Alexander had to evacuate from Redwood Valley - he told RNZ's Alex Ashton the general flow of information was good from emergency services but getting specific information about his own property had been harder. Don McLean thought the fires had calmed down yesterday and went off to work - only to be evacauated for the second time this time from his Mother's house. Dairmuad Brazendale said emergency services saved his house and even fed and watered his animals for him. Ivan Neal has had a very different experience and says he hasn't been allowed back to his property to check on his animals since Tuesday.