A scrub fire near Paremata Railway Station in Porirua, north of Wellington, disrupted train services on the Kāpiti Line on Wednesday afternoon. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews responded to the blaze around 1:20 PM, with multiple units working to contain the fire. Although the flames did not reach the railway tracks, train services between Porirua and Plimmerton were temporarily halted as a safety precaution, and overhead power was switched off at FENZ’s request. Power was restored shortly after 3:00 PM, and train operations resumed. However, some services continued to experience delays, with bus replacements deployed on certain routes. A fire investigator is currently examining the cause of the blaze.
Ongoing Challenges for Wellington’s Rail Network
This incident adds to a series of challenges faced by Wellington’s rail network. Coastal erosion near the tracks between Porirua and Paremata has necessitated extended speed restrictions, leading to adjustments in the Kāpiti Line timetable. Additionally, heat-related speed restrictions have become more frequent, with 27 hours of delays recorded in 2024 due to track temperatures exceeding safe limits. These issues highlight the need for continued investment and maintenance to ensure the reliability and safety of the region’s rail services.
Conclusion
The recent fire near Paremata Station underscores the vulnerability of Wellington’s rail infrastructure to environmental factors. As authorities investigate the cause of the blaze and work to mitigate ongoing challenges, commuters are encouraged to stay informed about service updates and plan their journeys accordingly.