The annual average direct impact of rural fire on New Zealand’s economy is estimated at $67 million, with indirect costs estimated to be at least 2-3 times this. New Zealand is not immune to the extreme fire behaviour normally associated with Australia or North America. Images of Hanmer and the Port Hills of Christchurch burning are a graphic warning.
The Extreme Fire research programme brings together an international team of fire experts to undertake some highly innovative research, challenging the existing understanding of fire behaviour and aiming to enable New Zealand to identify, mitigate and adapt to the threat of extreme fires.