South Island forest fire close to extinguished

South Island forest fire close to extinguished

24 September 2006

published by www.radionz.co.nz

Wellington, New Zealand — Rural firefighters are hopeful that today they will finally extingush a big fire in the Herbert Forest, south of Oamaru, which has been burning since Friday night.

The fire has cut a swathe through 30 hectares of forest, fueled by high winds and dry conditions.

Waitaki district’s principal rural fire officer, Eric Spittal, says it was too dangerous to work last night but a short burst of heavy rain overnight helped damp down the dry branches and debris that have fueled the fire.

Mr Spittal suspects the fire was deliberately lit. A full investigation will begin Sunday orMonday.