Crews still dampening down Roxburgh fire scene

Photo / Otago Daily Times

Fire crews are still dampening down hotspots near the Central Otago township of Roxburgh, where a bush fire destroyed one house and forced the evacuation of several others overnight.

Helicopters were called in to tackle the blaze, as 80km/h winds fanned the flames in tinder dry conditions on the edge of town.

Roxburgh chief fire officer Dave Rooney said crews were working at daybreak to put out any flare-ups.

"We've now had the helicopters back in the air, going around the whole perimeter, dealing with the hot spots."

One helicopter would remain on stand-by in the area for the rest of the day, he said.

MetService forecaster Paul Mallinson said Central Otago had temperatures in the mid-20s and humidity of 8 to 15 per cent yesterday.

The National Rural Fire Authority issued an "extreme" fire danger level for Central Otago yesterday.

The cause of the fire was unknown.

- NZPA