Fire likely to burn for days
A fire at the Burwood Resource Recovery Park could take days to extinguish, authorities say.
The fire started on Thursday afternoon in a pile of recycled timber recovered from the red zone.
‘‘The fire covers an area of approximately two hectares, is deepseated and has the potential to burn for several days. We are confident however that the fire can be contained within the substantial firebreak without spreading further,’’ Waste Management NZ Ltd South Island general manager Gareth James said.
Christchurch City Council emergency management manager Murray Sinclair said fires like the one burning at the recovery park could not be doused with water, as that could cause further issues.
‘‘Water can increase the heat intensity, similar to the way a compost pile works. Our firefighting teams are endeavouring to keep the fire contained.
‘‘[Thursday] afternoon smoke covered parts of the northeast of the city. Fortunately the wind direction changed overnight to southerly, which has resulted in the smoke heading out to sea,’’ Sinclair said.
The wind direction changed yesterday afternoon to a light easterly which could result in the smoke once again covering parts of the city.
Canterbury medical officer of health Dr Alistair Humphrey said the fire at Burwood Resource Recovery Park was unlikely to cause any health issues at this stage.
‘‘The fire is being fuelled by untreated wood and is not dangerous from a public health point of view,’’ Humphrey said.
‘‘However, any kind of smoke is undoubtedly a nuisance and people should avoid exposure where possible by staying indoors and closing windows and doors.’’
Humphrey said should the fire spread beyond the woodpile, the smoke plume was likely to become heavier and more noxious, but his advice would stay the same – stay away from the smoke if possible.
‘‘If that is not possible, close windows and doors to minimise exposure.’’