Hanmer Springs Could Be Cut Off In Major Wildfire

Thursday, 6 March 2025, 9:13 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A large wildfire, like the one which swept through Los Angeles, could leave Hanmer Springs isolated, the Hurunui District Council warns.

The town will undergo a voluntary evacuation on April 6 as part of a major multi-agency Civil Defence exercise, aimed at ensuring the community is prepared for wildfires.

Hurunui District Council emergency management officer Allan Grigg said the devastating Los Angeles wildfires has heightened public concern.

He said Hanmer Springs has an ‘‘extremely high’’ wildfire risk.

A large wildfire temporarily cut off access to the town in 2016.

‘‘A draft Civil Defence evacuation plan has been prepared but has never been operationally tested.

‘‘This exercise will test the plan in action, raise awareness of wildfire hazard, and build confidence and knowledge in the community.

‘‘Many residents in Hanmer Springs are eager to understand what to do in the event of a major wildfire evacuation.’’

Mr Grigg said the exercise will be the biggest of its kind in recent history.

It will bring together emergency services staff, the Hanmer Springs Community Emergency Response Team, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, local residents, businesses, schools, accommodation providers and tourists to test the town’s wildfire preparedness plan.

Hurunui Civil Defence Emergency Management will led the exercise, which will run throughout the day, with the public taking part between 2pm and 5pm.

Evacuation will be voluntary, and residents and visitors requiring assistance on the day are urged to get in touch with the council, Mr Grigg said.

Residents will hear instructions via public address systems and the town siren.

The evacuation point is the paddock south of Amuri Helicopters at 561 Hanmer Springs Road, State Highway 7A.

‘‘We will have volunteers patrolling to ensure properties are safe during the exercise and to be available to help people evacuate,’’ Mr Grigg said.

‘‘People will also be directing traffic to the evacuation site under a Traffic Management Plan.’’

While there is no set alternative route if SH7A is taken out, the council does have some plans in place for evacuation such has driving through farmland, taking people across the river.

Mr Grigg said it depends on the type of event and in the case of a wildfire, what direction the fire is coming from.

"It really depends on the context. In the case of a wildfire, most fires in Canterbury come from the northwest, so it is likely the road would be well away from the fire.

"But if the road was taken out in an earthquake, for example, we would most likely be advising people it is safer to remain in the village."

The field exercise will utilise platforms used in real events, such as North Canterbury radio station Compass FM and the Hanmer Springs community Facebook page.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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