Army wins battle against scrub fire

A fire which burnt about 800ha around the Waiouru Army Camp has been contained.

Army spokesman David Courtney said yesterday that four civilian helicopters, two rural fire appliances and around 30 army personnel worked to bring the fire under control and to "mop-up" hotspots.

The fire started on Tuesday and burnt through tussock, grass and flax.

Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Reynolds, commanding officer of the Waiouru Support Centre, said fires in the training area were not uncommon. "It is very dry here at the moment and we are working to minimise and mitigate the risk of fire."

- NZPA