NZDF helping tackle South Island fires
Eight New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) firefighters and four fire trucks have been helping tackle vegetation fires that have flared in the South Island.
Brigadier Jim Bliss, the Land Component Commander, said four firefighters and two fire trucks from Burnham Military Camp were dispatched to Templeton, a town on the outskirts of Christchurch, late on Monday to support crews from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Two more firefighters and one fire truck were deployed last night from the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Woodbourne to help control the vegetation fire at Waihopai Valley.
A new crew consisting of two NZDF firefighters and one fire truck were sent to help at Waihopai at 6am today, with two more firefighters and another fire truck placed on standby.
“We remain ready to support our communities. Our firefighters are able to respond to emergencies here and overseas,” Brigadier Bliss said.
