'Air attack' specialists to target Queenstown fire

Specialist "air attack" firefighters are flying over the Hector Mountains near Queenstown this morning to decide their next move in fighting a blaze which has been raging for five days.

Fire Service southern communications shift manager Jan Wills said numerous helicopters and up to 10 ground crew battled the fire yesterday but by 7pm last night it was still burning on two fronts.

So far, 740ha of alpine vegetation has been destroyed from Lake Wakatipu to the Hector Mountains and the Nevis Valley.

The blaze was one of many sparked by hot and dry conditions throughout the South Island during the past few days, with strong winds making it difficult to fight.

Ms Wills said conditions were better today, with a light northeasterly and 18degC.

A 5km no-fly zone had around the fire has been lifted but air traffic controllers are still advising pilots to fly around the area.

- NZPA