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Fire still burning one month on

A month since a scrub fire started at the top of the Far North, firefighters are still battling to control the blaze. The Waiharara fire, which started on December 18, now covers 2530 hectares after high winds on Saturday from Tropical Cyclone Cody caused a breakout of about 130ha, leading to three homes to be evacuated. The size and duration of the fire makes it among the largest in recent New Zealand history, although the 1946 Taupo¯ forest fire was five times larger at 14,000ha. The Waiharara fire – which is burning through wetlands and peat – is described as one of the most complex fires in New Zealand history. DOC national fire manager Aroha Hughes said it could take 10 to 15 years for the ecosystem to recover.

National News

en-nz

2022-01-18T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-01-18T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281741272787514

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