By Thursday 27 February, the Waipoua forest blaze had grown to 96 hectares, with a 4.5 kilometre perimeter, Fire and Emergency NZ said. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
Firefighters are bracing for a wind shift that could hinder their efforts against the Waipoua forest fire in Northland.
While 50 percent of the blaze was now contained, the fire was estimated to be about 96 hectares with a 4.5 kilometres perimeter.
Fire and Emergency incident Controller Corey Matchitt said they prepared the area around the Waipoua settlement in anticipation for the easterly wind that was forecast for Friday.
So far none of the twenty houses have suffered any damage.
"Our only concern is that, that the wind could be pushing the fire back towards the Waipoua settlement, but we've established containment lines and structural protection in there.
The fire began on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
"If that does happen, we are confident we can protect the structures there," said Matchitt.
From Friday there would also be a change in the plan of attack from fire crews, which would look to ramp up efforts from the ground.
"We're looking at downsizing our helicopter fleet from eight to three, but we will be keeping the same amount of ground crews and machinery.
"Saturday is when we will be looking at bringing in more ground crews to carry on mopping up work, to make sure this fire is out.
"Come Saturday that's the day we're looking at having this fire fully contained and then looking at mopping up for about five days after that."
The area is closed while the fire rages on. Photo: RNZ / Calvin Samuel
While the cause of the fire was still under investigation, Matchitt said it showed how quickly a fire could grow in dry conditions.
"I would like to remind everyone across Northland that we are in a restricted fire season, so you need a permit to light an open-air fire.
"It is important if you do have a permit to adhere to the conditions of the permit and to check it's all right before you light.
"This fire is an example of how things can turn really quickly if a fire does get out of control."
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