Aoraki/Mt Cook has been evacuated as firefighters battle to contain a huge scrub fire fanning across the Mackenzie District.
Police have helped more than 50 people out of the evacuate the area as the fire rips through at least 2000ha of forest and shrub on both sides of State Highway80.
A Fire and Emergency (Fenz) spokesman said SH8 and SH80 are closed and crews had abandoned the fight to save an at-risk building as the fire fans out across the district.
"Strong nor-west winds have hampered attempts to control the fire and are forecast to continue overnight," the spokesman said.
The fire was expected to remain on the western side of SH8.
Emergency services were called to the scrub fire at 11.25am today. Photo / Martin MacDonald
Fire and Emergency New Zealand received "multiple calls" of a fire off Mt Cook Rd (State Highway 80) off Dusky Trail at about 11.25am. It's believed it was started when a cooking stove fell over.
By 4.30pm, 14 helicopters, two fixed-wing aeroplanes, and 10 appliances on the ground were battling the blaze which is expected to burn all night.
"The fire is certainly not under control and the wind is looking to pick up this evening," the spokesman said.
A "number" of buildings were still at risk from the fire, but the Fenz spokesman did not have details on the buildings or their locations.
Police were working with NZTA to allow disrupted residents through but this may take some time, he said.
SH8 and SH80 are closed as crews battle to contain the blaze. Photo / Martin MacDonald
Three structural protection teams were en route from Ashburton, Timaru and Temuka shortly before 8.30pm.
"They will remain on scene with a local crew and a command unit with the objective of preserving property overnight," the spokesman said.
Helicopter and fixed wing firefighting resources were stood down at dusk and will resume operations at first light tomorrow.
There was no current threat to the Twizel township besides smoke in the area and this wasn't expected to change overnight or tomorrow, the spokesman said.
"Fire and Emergency NZ personnel will be monitoring the situation continuously overnight."
Scrub fire near Twizel. Photo / Nel Davison
Over the course of the day crews have battled the blaze as it jumped from the west to the east side of a now closed State Highway 80 as police evacuated properties along the highway.
Two people earlier received injuries in the blaze and have been treated by St John Ambulance officers.
The fire was first reported in a grassy area, but strong winds caused it to spread "relatively quickly" to a forestry plantation.
Firefighters on the scene were grateful for the offers of help from the local community.
"Currently we are organising food and accommodation for a number of personnel who are assisting and we thank those who have provided resources and support at short notice."
Multiple crews from Omarama, Otematata, Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass and a command unit from Timaru were called at the scene.
Two people have suffered injuries in the fire and received medical treatment from St John Ambulance officers. Photo / Martin MacDonald
On Friday, Fenz issued a statement noting recent frost curing [drying], coupled with warm weather and high winds, would result in a high fire danger this weekend for much of neighbouring region Otago.
Principal Rural Fire Office Graeme Still said the predicted strong northwest winds would bring warm, dry conditions, significantly increasing the risk of fires "occurring and spreading rapidly".
Fires that were normally easy to control would become very difficult during these conditions.
