Smoke warning lifted for Napier and Hastings

Health New Zealand has lifted its public health warning for Napier and Hastings after the heavy smoke predicted from the Waiōuru fire did not eventuate.

In an update at 10.30am this morning, Health NZ said smoke from the fire had largely diminished.

The warning was issued on Tuesday evening as a precaution, based on modelling that predicted potentially high levels of smoke pollution in the two cities on Wednesday morning.

“Fortunately, the heavy smoke predicted has not eventuated,” Health NZ said.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the fire had not grown overnight, although some flare-ups had occurred. A perimeter flight on Wednesday morning put the area burned at 3,700 hectares following more accurate mapping.

Six ground crews from the New Zealand Defence Force and local volunteer fire brigades were working at the Waiōuru Military Training Area, supported by air operations.

Incident controller Nigel Dravitzki said steep terrain, vegetation and variable weather, including a forecast increase in wind speed, continued to make the fire challenging to contain and extinguish.

Health NZ said forecasts could change and its priority was to ensure communities were informed of potential public health risks so they could take appropriate action.

Anyone with health concerns can call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, available 24 hours a day, or contact their doctor.