Wanganui fires under control

Two fires which broke out last week are still keeping Wanganui firefighters busy.

On Wednesday a fire broke out near Ranana on the upper Whanganui River, consuming 300ha of gorse, manuka and kanuka. Several helicopters and later ground crews worked throughout the weekend to get the blaze under control.

On Saturday a fire started near Wanganui Airport and covered 10ha of tussock before locally-based aircraft and firefighters were brought in.

The road to South Beach was re-opened late yesterday but Department of Conservation Whanganui area manager Connie Norgate said there had been issues with motorbikes in the area.

"People can really help us by keeping their distance from the fire ground and being vigilant. It's much easier for us if people just stay away so we can manage the fire rather than managing people as well."

Ms Norgate said the staff at the 10ha fire were confident they would be able to move out this afternoon once all hotspots were dampened.

The large fire at Ranana which began almost a week ago is still keeping ground crews busy, she said. Ms Norgate said as many as four helicopters had been working the fire at its height. One was still onsite and called to assist where neccessary but tomorrow would probably be sent away.

"It's a lot quieter today, there are still a few hotspots to dampen and the odd tree still burning. The main thing they've been doing is breaking down the bases of these trees and getting water in so they don't flare up again.

"We're hoping to move to the monitoring phase tomorrow and get down to 10 people on the ground, but it's still extremely dry up there and they have to keep an eye on the perimeter to make sure it doesn't start burning again," she said.