Emergency services are battling a vegetation fire that started around midday yesterday in Otago.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) incident controller Bobby Lamont said in statement that the fire began as an out-of-control burn off. Strong winds fanned the blaze in Tokarahi, Waitaki overnight, he added.
It had scorched through about 400 hectares of farmland, tussock and scrub by about 10.20am today.
"The fire is not yet contained nor controlled and we have six helicopters, one fixed wing aircraft and seven crews responding," Lamont said. "Much of the fire-ground is not easily accessible for our vehicles and we have having to airlift our firefighters in."
Winds are forecast to gust up to 100km/h in the area today, with a MetService strong wind watch in place.
"We anticipate we'll be at this fire for some days," Lamont said.
Severe weather warnings for South Island, lower North
An active front is expected to bring rough weather for many across the country today.
New Zealand
9:58am
A command unit has been set up near the site of the fire.
"It's very dry in the Waitaki Valley and Central Otago and we ask anyone considering lighting an outdoor fire to check the weather and wind forecast before they proceed," Lamont said.
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