Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have responded to more than 260 weather-related incidents across the country between 7.40am and 1pm on Thursday, as destructive winds tore through multiple regions.
A spokesperson said the majority of callouts were for roofs lifting and trees down, while others involved fences and sheds being blown away, trampolines becoming airborne, and even a loose satellite dish on a roof.
“There were 264 weather-related callouts nationwide during that period, and another 109 calls to 111 that did not require a response from our crews and were referred to the relevant authorities,” the spokesperson said.
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Wellington and Canterbury recorded the highest number of calls early in the morning, while conditions worsened in Southland around lunchtime. “Southland was hit hardest, with 139 incidents reported between 11.55am and 1pm, 108 of those were in Invercargill,” the spokesperson said.
District breakdowns show Southland accounted for 139 callouts, followed by Wellington with 64, Canterbury with 32 (plus 12 in Hanmer Springs), and smaller numbers across Otago, West Coast, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato.
Crews are currently battling a large vegetation fire approximately 4.5 kilometres southeast of Hanmer Springs. Roads to the area are blocked by fallen trees, hampering access.
“Two helicopters are assisting ground crews, and a small number of properties have been evacuated as a precaution,” the spokesperson said.
No homes are currently threatened by the fire, but State Highway 7A remains closed at Medway Road.
Firefighters are continuing to extinguish hotspots in Kaikoura, working alongside arborists to bring down dangerous trees. Fifteen ground crews remain on site, supported by helicopters on standby.
“All roads are open under traffic management, but motorists should expect delays and be prepared for closures if the winds worsen,” the spokesperson said.
Residents in the Kaikoura Flats area are being asked to remain alert and call 111 if they see any smoke or flames. The Canterbury District remains under a prohibited fire season.
In Hawke’s Bay, the Saleyard fire has been mapped at 139 hectares and is around 30 percent contained. Seven crews are on site working to secure the perimeter before the winds strengthen later today.
The Bush Road and Schaeffer Road fires are contained, but dive crews are continuing to extinguish deep-seated hotspots at Schaeffer Road. The Bush Road fire will be monitored over the coming days for flare-ups.
Crews from as far as Taranaki, Te Awamutu, Taupo, Wellington, and Manawatu have been deployed to assist.
Fire and Emergency is warning that fire risk remains extremely high on the east coast of both islands as strong winds combine with warm temperatures and low humidity.
“We are really concerned about the fire danger. We are asking every landowner, agricultural contractor, forestry manager and lifestyle block owner to help us avoid any more fires starting,” the spokesperson said.
“Please check any old burn piles to ensure they are completely out. Conditions are such that any new fire could spread very quickly and be difficult to control.”
A total ban on open-air fires and fireworks is now in place across Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay.
“All open-air fires are prohibited while the ban remains in force,” the spokesperson said. “We are asking people to be extra careful — in these conditions, it would be very difficult for us to control any fire that gets out of hand.”
People can visit checkitsalright.nz for up-to-date information on local fire bans and restrictions.
