Firefighters will be closely monitoring forecast northerly winds as they try to shore up containment lines around the Kaimaumau fire in Northland.
Heavy machinery was brought in to widen an existing track and create firebreaks, as well as around orchards, around Kaimaumau village on 20 December 2021. Photo: Facebook / Northland - Fire and Emergency
The blaze in wetlands and vegetation spans more than 2400 hectares, and has forced two evacuations of residents.
There will be 43 firefighters working on the fire today.
Fire and Emergency incident controller John Sutton said crews are monitoring building easterly winds and northerlies forecast.
"Well the forecast is picking a bit of wind to develop probably middle afternoon from the north which is a bit of a worry, always a bit of a worry on this fire, so we've got people along the southern flank to be prepared to counter that."
Sutton said crews are still confident they will be able to hold containment lines if the wind picks up.
He said vegetation has dried out around the fire line in the hot weather, but firefighters have plans to protect it.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed it will contribute $20,000 towards a Mayoral Relief Fund to support those most affected by the fires in the Far North.
Minister for Emergency Management Kiri Allan said although no homes had been destroyed in the fire, the events had significant impacts on local residents.
"I have spoken to Far North Mayor John Carter about the effect the fires continue to have, on residents and the wider community, and to offer the Government's support.
"My thoughts go out to all those who have had their Christmas-New Year break turned upside down and I want to assure them that the government is committed to doing what it can to help get the community back on its feet," Allan said
"It is still too early to understand the full impact of this blaze, but we want to ensure there is minimal delay in supporting those worst affected."
Allan said affected people may be eligible for additional support through the Ministry of Social Development and Ministry for Primary Industries.
