[ad_1]
A fire on Matakana Island in the Bay of Plenty continues to burn a week after it started.
Last Sunday, a large fire burned for more than 24 hours on the island and crews remained in place all week, but broke out again on Saturday.
Matakana Island is located 2 km off the coast of Tauranga and is home to almost 200 people.
This morning, more than 80 firefighters were fighting the blaze with three new crews from as far away as Ngāruawāhia brought in by ferry, as well as five helicopters.
Chief Rural Fire Officer Steve Webb says the fire, which is burning a forest block, increased from 19 hectares to about 40 hectares after it broke out.
Webb says the fuel source makes it difficult to control.
“What we have is a problem where a large amount of fuel has not been burned and burned properly, and it has not been burned properly.
“So it’s still smoking and smoking, so it gets worse in the heat of the day.”
The fire was contained, but that could change quickly, says Webb.
“If we have a hot, dry and windy climate, there is a possibility that it will break through the containment lines.
“So that’s what we’re working hard on for the next 48 hours to make sure we put out the fire by doing that and that’s where all the hard and dirty work comes in.”
Volunteers from the continent have been gathering around the firefighters.
Shaan Kingi from Katikati Māori Wardens says that when the fire broke out, they offered their support to whānau on the island.
“We gathered teams to get water bottles, chocolates and Up & Gos to make sure the teams had something to eat,” says Kingi.
Matakana Island resident Marlene Samuels says it’s been a long week, but the fire crews have been working incredibly hard.
“That worries us, these are our family, children, uncles,” says Samuels.
“We are concerned for their health and safety, but they are doing a good job.”
The fire on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Glenda Maplesden.
She says that although the fire burns near her community, the smoke doesn’t have much of an impact.
“We are not as affected on our part, but I understand that the residents of Otūmoetai are getting more smoke than we are.”
She says they are grateful for the support that has been given to the united community.
“We are all family, we are all connected to each other and we care about what happens.
“We’re just watching over each other and making sure we take care of each other.”
Fire and Emergency says they are aware of the smoke drifting into the city of Tauranga and told residents to stay indoors and close their windows if they were affected.
Those needing medical advice should contact Healthline.
Fire crews are expected to remain on the island for several more days.
–RNZ / Riley Kennedy
