Firefighters battle shed fire in Hastings amid strong wind warning

Firefighters battled a large shed fire in Hastings on Sunday afternoon amid gusty winds.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) were called to two fires close together in Bridge Pā, on the outskirts of Hastings, just after 2pm on Sunday.

The first was believed to be caused by a rubbish fire that spread into a nearby hedge on Equestrian Lane.

A more serious blaze - in a separate incident - spread through a 30-by-30-metre implement shed at an orchard on Irongate Lane.

Firefighters were fighting both blazes at the same time, with three fire trucks at the shed fire, which appeared to be under control by about 4pm.

A Fenz spokesperson said there had not been any reports of injuries.

Strong winds were being felt at both fires, and MetService expected the gusty winds to increase, with a strong wind warning in place from 5pm on Sunday through to Monday.

That strong wind warning was in place for all of Hawke’s Bay south of Wairoa.

“Strong wind gusts could damage trees, power lines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles,” the warning read.

Westerly to northwesterly severe gale-strength winds could reach 120km/h in exposed places.

Silt in flood-ravaged areas like Esk Valley was also being blown about during Sunday afternoon due to the high winds.