Kirwee

Major Fire Incident in Kirwee, NZ Sparks Evacuations and Intense Firefighting Efforts

A large fire near the Waimakariri River has forced evacuations and drawn in firefighting crews to battle the blaze in Kirwee, New Zealand.

Homes in Kirwee, New Zealand, were evacuated following a large fire that erupted near the Waimakariri River. The blaze, located on the Old West Coast Rd, has engulfed 80 hectares of pine forest, scrub, and farmland. Emergency services, including seven helicopters, have been deployed to combat the fire in the Selwyn District.

Fire crews have been actively working to contain the blaze that broke out in Kirwee. The massive vegetation fire has posed challenges, burning through a significant stretch of forests and farmlands. Despite the evacuation efforts and road blockades by the police, the situation is gradually coming under control with the concerted efforts of the firefighters and support teams.

In the midst of the fire emergency, residents were evacuated to safety, with an evacuation center set up in the Kirwee Community Hall. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) mobilized heavy machinery and additional firefighting crews to combat the growing inferno in the Canterbury region. The intense firefighting operation continues to address flare-ups and safeguard the affected areas.

The Kirwee fire incident has showcased the resilience and coordinated response of the emergency services in the face of a challenging blaze. The containment efforts have been successful, with no reported loss of buildings or livestock. As crews work tirelessly to extinguish the remaining hotspots, the community remains vigilant and grateful for the dedication of the firefighters.

Notable facts: The Incident Controller for the Kirwee fire, Dave Berry, led the strategic firefighting efforts with over 50 firefighters and multiple aircraft. The fire, which blazed through pine plantations and scrubland, was effectively controlled with the collective efforts of the firefighting teams and support personnel.