A significant scrub fire above the Pick-a-Part wreckers yard at Wingate had a second-alarm equivalent response, with aerial attack and rural fire crews well involved for several hours. The Dominion Post among the news agencies reporting the incident. The Hutt Valley Fire Police were fully engaged at the incident, with an 'all hands' page put out shortly after the arrival of the duty crew. Several roadblocks and cordons required manning for an extended number of hours; members were on scene from around 3pm until after 9.30pm this evening. More details and photos/video after the jump...

The complexity of the intersections at this area is well known to us, with the Unit having performed similar tasks at this intersection in the past. All calls being different, however, this one had some unique challenges; helicopter operations were being conducted from the grass area just to the south of the Wingate overbridge, with a helidam being used to fill monsoon buckets with water. The terrain on the eastern hills means that ground access to much of the incident was quite restricted.

While NZFS and Lower Hutt Rural Fire Force worked to put out the flames and protect neighbouring properties from the fire, our unit kept the scene secure and did its best to facilitate access to the properties within the cordoned off area. We recognise the disruption that this sort of incident causes, and wish to thank all those affected, for their patience and understanding as we carried out our duties.

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A couple of views of the blaze taken on approach from Eastern Hutt Road, north of the incident.

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A member's vehicle at a road block on Eastern Hutt Road; The damage to the hillside can clearly be seen from below (note firefighters can be seen dampening down hot spots).

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Helipro were quickly called to render assistance; RIMU4926 and Fire Police manning a roadblock.

There's a helicopter in there somewhere! Thick smoke coated the fireground and it's surrounds, and was clearly visible all over the Hutt Valley.
The above imagery by FP Mark Foster, as well as the below video.

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Some images of the Helicopter and Helidam operations, courtesy FP Rosanne English.