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More evacuations as Marlborough fires spread

Publish Date
Fri, 27 Nov 2015, 7:41AM
Photo sent in by a Herald reader shows extent of the blaze. (Photo: Peter Burge)
Photo sent in by a Herald reader shows extent of the blaze. (Photo: Peter Burge)

More evacuations as Marlborough fires spread

Publish Date
Fri, 27 Nov 2015, 7:41AM

The huge blaze in Marlborough has inched nearer to homes overnight and there have been more evacuations. 

Strong westerly winds fanned it towards homes again overnight and around five families were evacuated at 2am.

The blaze burns on for a third day with little sign of a let-up.

More than 50 rural fire fighters, with help from some professionals out of Blenheim, have been at the 430 hectare site for the last two days.

Chief Fire Officer Richard McNamara said their primary concern is safety.

"We've officially evacuated five but then there's been quite a number of others in the area have self evacuated and that's what we in the police fully support, so get out, stay out, we'll promise and commit to do our best for the residents and protecting their homes," he said. 

"The good news is, although the fire has come down closer to houses in a couple of areas, the crews last night have done a fantastic job and held it off those houses. They've also held it from jumping into the other side of the valley and then heading east."

McNamara said winds are still gusting at 60 to 80 kilometres an hour, which makes life difficult for fire fighters and pilots operating monsoon buckets.

"It's very turbulent conditions out there so there's a lot at stake but we want to make sure everyone gets to go home including the residents of that area."

He admits it's a turbulent situation.

"It's a bit like groundhog day. For the last three days we've ben battling these very strong westerlies and fire activity that goes from something we can contain to something we can't."

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