Firefighters contain large Hawke’s Bay blaze, house saved from damage

Firefighters and helicopters battle the blaze near Puketapu. Photo / Alesha Lewis

Firefighters in trucks and helicopters have contained a large vegetation fire in Hawke’s Bay.

Ten fire trucks, four specialist support vehicles and two helicopters were alerted to the fire on Puketitiri Rd, Puketapu, just before 9.30am today.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the fire had been contained to an area of 100m by 100m.

Firefighters and helicopters battle the blaze near Puketapu. Photo / Alesha Lewis

A house that had been threatened by the fire had been saved from any damage.

Fire crews and one helicopter were still on the scene, dampening the ground.

Alesha Lewis, who watched the fight to contain the fire, said helicopter pilots had done an “amazing job in challenging circumstances” with strong winds and lots of pylons to navigate.

She also thanked the fire crews on the ground for their efforts.