Power restored after fire

Power was restored to about 700 Unison customers at 7pm last night after being turned off as a precautionary measure yesterday. Photo / Warren Buckland

Unison restored power to about 700 customers last night after it was cut during the blaze along Waimarama Rd.

Unison relationship manager Danny Gough said the power was turned off to those on Waimarama's main feeder at 11am as a safety precaution.

"The power company wasn't willing to take any risks and were pleased to say the power was able to be turned back on at 7pm," Mr Gough said.

All but eight houses which were in the direct line of the fire had their power go back to normal.

Mr Gough said those eight houses were either damaged or evacuated due to being caught up in the fire.

Unison was continuing to monitor the situation last night and was working closely with fire crews and civil defence.

"We are acting on their instructions and I just hope mother nature will give a bit. Fingers crossed it all goes back to normal."

So far there had been no damage to power lines and the network was in a good condition.

With power out yesterday generators were brought in to help with the water situation and people were told to conserve water.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule said the reservoir had a two-day supply but with the power off the pump was not able to operate.

"We need water for drinking purposes and firefighting. We have to retain that reservoir at all costs," Mr Yule said.

Last night two generators were on hand as a backup to the Waimarama water system.