The Bay of Plenty experienced an early onset of the summer fire season, with a significant orchard fire north of Tauranga. The fire, which destroyed 3.5km of shelter belt and affected some kiwifruit vines, is believed to have originated from burning rubbish. It rapidly spread through shelter belts and kiwifruit orchards on Snodgrass Road, prompting a response from 16 units across the region. Bay of Plenty assistant commander William Pike highlighted the use of thermal drones and a helicopter with a monsoon bucket to monitor and contain hotspots overnight.
At its peak, the fire necessitated the evacuation of 10 rural households, driven by strong northwesterly winds. The incident serves as a reminder of the fire risks associated with the summer season, especially following a relatively dry winter in the Bay of Plenty. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Eastern Bay of Plenty volunteer brigade controller Jamie Rhodes.
Source: Farmers Weekly