February 1, 2009

Just 12 hours out from the start of a total fire ban in Hawke's Bay, firefighters feared the potential nightmare which prompted the emergency move may havestarted.
Smoke was spotted in an area of scrub, long grass and stands of pine trees just after 5pm yesterday at Darky's Spur, off the Kaiwaka Road, just northwest of Tangoio, and firefighters were quick to respond.
The initial fear was that the blaze would sweep across into pine forests just a few hundred metres away and the fire service upped the response to a third alarm bringing in crews from Hastings, as well as volunteer units.
Water tankers were sent to the scene and two helicopters were put on standby.
A fire service spokesman said crews fought the fire on two fronts.
'There were a couple of properties nearby and the forest.'
About 25 firefighters were at the scene and were left breathing sighs of relief there was no wind to fan flames and that the undergrowth was not as tinder dry as some areas across the region.
It took about an hour to get the fire under control, although some crews stayed behind to dampen down potential hotspots.
Darky's Spur resident Ashby Pearse said he could see the smoke as he headed on his way home but reckoned there were no fears for the property.
'All's well,' he said.
'It was in a stand of trees and didn't come on to the property.'
As a precaution, police at the scene warned a couple of residents that they might have to evacuate if the fire spread.
One firefighter said the blaze, although not major, was a stark warning that the region was drying out to dangerous levels and people working in and moving through rural areas had to be extremely cautious.
It was not known how the fire started, although it was being investigated by fire safety officers.
The total fire ban began at 6am today. All outdoor fires are banned and no permits will be issued to light fires. Strict penalties will be applied to anyone who breaks the ban.