• Hawke's Bay firefighters save properties in path of large vegetation fire

Hawke's Bay firefighters save properties in path of large vegetation fire

Firefighters remain at the scene of a large vegetation fire that broke out in Fernhill last night, extinguishing hotspots.

Emergency services were alerted to the incident on Korokipo Road at 10.50pm. Eleven appliances and six tankers responded along with support vehicles, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Hawke's Bay Area Commander Ken Cooper said.

In total 56 firefighters responded to bring the incident under control. 

At its height, the fire was threatening six properties. However, all were protected resulting in no damage or loss to property, and no injuries.

"Life risk is our priority and protection of the structures was prioritised, Cooper said. 

Just after midnight, the fire had been contained. Cordons were in place and police assisted with the evacuations of properties in the vicinity.

Crews remained at the scene overnight and will be carrying out an investigation into the cause today.

Photos from the scene show a large hedge left completely scorched from the heat of the fire.

With Hawke's Bay experiencing very hot and dry summer conditions with high winds, fires in the open are a significant risk, Cooper said.

Unison relationship manager Danny Gough said 23 customers remain without power. 

Gough said they initially de-energised quite a large area just to ensure that there was a safe working environment for the teams.

"Once more information became known, we managed to reduce the area down," he said.

This morning, in the "cold hard light of day", they have established a large number of power poles, and associated assets have been fire damaged or destroyed. 

"We have got all hands to the pump now. All available crews are in there and we are carrying out repairs now as we speak with the hope of having those customers restored by this evening, and with all the new poles and conductor and other assets in the ground." 

Gough says they are conscious of people being without power. 

Visit checkitsalright.co.nz  to check the fire season status and whether you need a permit.

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