Fire crews contained the 1,200-hectare blaze and worked to eliminate remaining hotspots.
Helicopters and excavators were used to prevent flare-ups and strengthen firebreaks.
Firefighters continued monitoring the area to ensure the fire did not reignite.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews returned to the Tiwai Peninsula in Invercargill as they worked to control a large vegetation fire. The fire, which spread to 1,200 hectares in hot, windy conditions, was contained by the end of the first day. Related: Tiwai Peninsula Vegetation Fire Update Fire Crews Battle Large Blaze Near Tiwai Point
Incident Controller Hamish Angus confirmed that 35 firefighters were on-site with support from five helicopters, the Department of Conservation, and local forestry companies. "Our focus today was on knocking out those remaining hotspots," he said.
With winds expected to pick up in the coming days, fire crews worked to ensure the fire did not reignite. "It’s too early to say what caused the fire, but we will have fire investigators here today looking into that," Angus added.
Progress continued the next day, with crews successfully clearing hotspots from burnt scrub and wetland areas. Warmer conditions posed a challenge, but firefighters managed to prevent any flare-ups. "As well as having four helicopters dousing the fireground from above, we’re using four excavators to widen firebreaks around the perimeter so the fire doesn’t spread if the wind gets up," said Angus.
"This work will also help firefighters if they need to deal with any more fires here in the future."
Fire crews worked until 6pm, with one crew remaining overnight to monitor the fireground. "Our crews will be back on-site tomorrow morning to continue mopping up and ensuring there are no hotspots left," Angus said.
