New blaze dealt with but Nelson fire is ‘still the boss’
NELSON: Another fire broke out in the Nelson region on Tuesday night and, while it was quickly dealt with, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said it showed there was still a lot of work to do to contain the fire.
The fire now covers 2400ha, with a 33km perimeter, Fenz fire controller Trevor Mitchell said yesterday, adding the fire was still not contained.
‘‘This is the fire telling us it’s still the boss.’’
A Many of more than 700 animals, including sheep, goats, dogs, chickens and turkeys, evacuated from areas threatened by the fire are now on their way home.
The animals have been cared for by a variety of organisations at the Richmond A&P Showgrounds, in stables, sheds, yards and inside makeshift fences. — RNZ
NELSON: The financial cost of the Nelson fire is starting to add up, as the blaze now extends into its second week.
It could yet exceed the devastating Port Hills fires in 2017, which cost the Selwyn region an estimated $30 million.
The wildfires have so far burned through 2400ha in the NelsonTasman region, destroyed one home, and led to more than 1000 people leaving their homes — some of whom have been able to return.
It has been the largest aerial firefight in New Zealand’s history, using 23 helicopters and two planes at the peak of the fire.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the cost of the aircraft, ground machinery, and other firefighting resources had been $1 million a day for the first week of the fire.
That daily cost would now fall, as the fire was under control and fewer resources were required.
The helicopters have been running 12 hours a day and with an hourly bill of $2000, their daily cost was believed to be more than $500,000.
The forestry industry has been the worsthit by the fires, losing an estimated 1900ha and having to shut down its operations within the fire perimeter.
That has temporarily put 240 contractors out of work and closed two sawmills. Forestry Minister Shane Jones said the estimated cost of lost productivity was $2 million a day — or around $14 million so far.
Farmers in the region have also had to halt any use of equipment out of concern that sparks could restart fires in the rainstarved region.
Insurance claims will push the bill much higher. In the Port Hills, nearly $18 million was paid out, about $10 million of which was for house and contents insurance.
In Nelson, just one house has been confirmed as destroyed. However, the area of land affected is far greater than in Christchurch.
The costs in major fires are divided between a range of agencies and authorities, including the local council.
The New Zealand Defence Force has contributed 220 personnel and two aircraft to the firefight, though those costs are covered by the NZDF’s own budget.
The Government has so far contributed $120,000 in support for the region, and the Ministry of Social Development has been providing hardship support and grants. — NZME