Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon and MP for Kaikoura, Stuart Smith today visited the fireground in Loburn to see FENZ staff and volunteers on the ground and to meet residents affected by the blaze.
The pair also went up in a helicopter with FENZ Regional Manager Brad Mosby to see the full impact of the fire.
“I also spent time at the Welfare Centre last night speaking with people who had been evacuated.
“I know that people have lost their homes and there’s been significant damage to property. My heart goes out to those families that have been impacted by this and I’m sure the community will rally together to support one another.”
Mayor Gordon says he is also grateful to the tireless efforts of firefighters, Civil Defence, NZRT12 and other volunteers.
“A huge thanks to the more than 100 staff and volunteer firefighters as well as the helicopter pilots who battled this blaze. There are still crews on the ground now working hard to keep the fire contained.
“This was a significant fire, over 10 hectares in size, and it shows just how quickly things can get out of control during a hot and dry summer.
Mayor Dan Gordon says while he was at the fireground in Loburn he learned of another fire which had just broken out in Swannanoa on Saturday afternoon.
Mayor Gordon says while fire crews are battling multiple fire incidents around the district it is important people don’t partake in any activities which could spark a fire.
“FENZ have issued some great advice on what we should be avoiding at this time of year. This includes using equipment that generate sparks, or where blades can strike a stone and cause a spark.
“Delay this activity until early morning or evening or wait for cooler weather also don’t park vehicles in long grass – hot exhausts can start a fire.”