1.
Incident Name
2. Operational Period
SITUATION
Pukaki Downs Fire
Date 1st September 2020
REPORT
Time
1800hrs
RF201
3. Location
4. Vegetation
5. NZ Topo50 Grid Ref.
Twizel
Forest/Scrub/Grass/Slash/
E1365102
Other:
N5107856
6. Assessment
Fire started in the vicinity of the confluence of the Gladstone and Twizel Rivers along Baikie Hut
track approximately 11.25am and spread rapidly through a mix of tussock grass and wilding pine
fuels.
1982
There are 8 significant residential properties, with multiple structures, affected on the east side
of SH80. One house has been lost, along with a barn and four small outbuildings. Currently
Act
carrying out property protection using ground crews supported by tankers.
Pukaki Scientific Reserve has been extensively damaged.
The fire has continued to spread overnight. Perimeter is approximately 25km and total area of
incident ground is 3163ha
7. Action taken
Extensive fire control work has been undertaken using ground crews, heavy machinery and
Information
aircraft.
Heavy machinery has continued to build fire breaks and open up windrows to let them cool
down today.
Official
Contact has been made and will continue with stakeholders, Landowners, Iwi, Police, LINZ, MPI,
MSD DOC, NEMA, Meridian and Netcon. Managed and supervised access to properties for
the
residents has been organised and will be implemented through the afternoon if conditions
allow.
A fire investigator has identified the point of origin and investigation is under way.
under
8. Factors
• 21.4mm of rain has fallen so far and snow has settled on the fire ground this morning.
• Due to snow and freezing temperatures ground crews have been stood down currently.
• Power grid control gate 18 has had retardant placed around it for protection.
• Powerlines along SH80 are severely damaged. Lines company are starting repair work to
get power back to residential properties.
•
Released
SH80 – Now open
• SH8 – Now open
• Prime assets – lavender farm and structures
• DOC estate
• Patchy areas within fire area remain unburnt
9. Predicted Incident Development
The rain and snow has stopped all above ground fire. There is still a lot deep seated hot spots
burning underground and in windrows of slash.
Five ground crews will work with the heavy machinery to open up and extinguish deep seated
hotspots tomorrow.
Infra red will be flown tomorrow morning for perimeter control.
Air resources available if required.
The first residents are moving back in to their currently. Remaining evacuated residents will be
allowed back in as remaining fire management activities around their properties are completed.
Power will be restored to all properties tomorrow.
10. Prepared by:
Date/Time 1-9-20 1800hrs
under the Official Information Act 1982
Released
1982
Act
Information
Official
the
under
Released
