Fire in the Valley

There's been a bit of drama in the valley today, with part of the slopes of the lower valley aflame. We weren't sure if it was a controlled fire, or if it started unintentionally, but whatever the origin it certainly was impressive to watch.

Mrs H and I noticed the massive plume of smoke from our place (some six kilometres up the valley from the fire) and were initially concerned that it was a house fire, so I sped down to check it out.

It turned out to be a big fire in the gorse and kanuka on the hill behind the former cherry orchards. The impressive sight of the towering flames in the gorse was something I thought Mrs H should see, so I went back to pick her up and grab the camera. By the time we returned to the scene there was quite a crowd parked up alongside the valley road, watching the action unfold on the hill.

This shot is of the fire control helicopter, spraying what I can only assume is accelerant, to help burn off selected areas to prevent the flames spreading.

Go large to check out the action!