Crew needed more overseas than home Port Blakely

• Published date: 27 March 2024
• Publication title: Central Rural Life

Port Blakely New Zealand forestry production/protection forester Nick Henderson, who manages the Port Blakely fire response team, said there have not been any callouts so far this season

Port Blakely’s ‘‘fire season’’ runs from October to April.

If Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) needs a team with chainsaw skills, Port Blakely’s central forestry services crew is ready to respond at any time. Its silviculture staff also receive extra training in firefighting and can be used as needed, Mr Henderson said.

Port Blakely was called up for February’s Port Hills fire, but was stood down before taking part.

‘‘We’ve been quite lucky with our own forests,’’ Mr Henderson said.

The fire danger indices have remained relatively low throughout the summer, although some work plans were adjusted when the risk increased.

Port Blakely...