Fallen power lines spark forest fire

FIRE FIGHT: Firefighters from both urgan and rural fire crews tackled a 4ha undergrowth fire in the Purunui Forest block. PHOTO/CHERIE TAYLOR

Gale force winds hampered firefighters as they contained an undergrowth fire in the Purunui Forest.

The blaze was sparked after high winds brought down power lines in the forest.

About 50 firefighters from urban and rural fire crews tackled the fire in the forest bordering Castlepoint Rd, about 2km northeast of Langdale Rd yesterday.

Smoke could be seen billowing above the forest, owned by Anglican School Trust, from part way along Langdale Rd.

Masterton station officer Doug Flowerday said a passing motorist reported the fire about midday. When the Times-Age arrived 4ha of undergrowth were being contained by the firefighters. A Carterton water tanker was also on site.

It was hard work for crews, with high winds whipping through the valley and fanning the undergrowth fire, Mr Flowerday said.

"It's an undergrowth fire where pine trees have been cut down. The high winds, gusty winds are making it arduous work. The winds are changing in the gully here all the time. We are just trying to get on top of it and keep it contained.

"There is a lot of vegetation but thankfully much of it is still green which is slowing the fire's progress a little."

Wairarapa Rural Fire deputy principal fire officer Rob Hood also said the winds were causing problems.

"It is a concern because the gusty winds are very changeable." he said.

A crew would probably be left at the site over night to keep an eye on any hot spots.