Firefighters contain remote S Island blaze

Firefighters have contained a blaze which started as a controlled burn-off in the Mackenzie District.

About 20 volunteer firefighters from Twizel and Omarama were called to the blaze on the remote Lake Ohau station about 4pm after a burn-off spread from its controlled area, fire service spokesman Andrew Norris said.

Staff from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Waitaki District Council also helped fight the blaze, which was contained by about 6pm.

DOC staff would remain overnight to dampen any hot spots.

- NZPA