The fire on a cliff at Pataua South is difficult to reach. Photo / DoC
Department of Conservation (DoC) firefighters are expected to abseil down a steep cliff today to try and put out a fire which has been smouldering in a scenic reserve near Whangarei for three days.
The fire is believed to have started on New Year's Eve after fireworks were
let off at the top of a cliff in the small beachside settlement of Pataua South, east of Whangarei.
Department spokesman Chris Jenkins said the fire was burning in a 50 to 60sq m patch of pohutukawa trees and although it was not large the steep cliff made it difficult to reach.
Firefighters have tried to fight it from the top of the cliff and helicopters with monsoon buckets have dumped water but Mr Jenkins said some of the trees are smouldering from within.
The only way to put them out is to abseil part-way down the 50m cliff and cut some of the trees so water can be pumped into hollows and root systems.
Helicopters cost around $1000 an hour and had been used for several hours yesterday.
Firefighters were being repeatedly called out to the fire by the public and they had to respond to each call which was keeping them from attending to other calls.
Mr Jenkins said it was frustrating to think the fire had been caused by fireworks. He urged anyone who has information to call the DOC on 0800 362-468.
