Firefighters raced to save a farmhouse in Southland from destruction as a grass fire spread to a hedge close to buildings this afternoon.
Fire and Emergency NZ said a spark from a ride-on lawnmower hitting a stone was the likely cause of the fire, which “could have cost a farmer their home” in Wendon, about 3.30pm.
“It was a really close thing - the paint on the side of the house was bubbling and the guttering was destroyed,” Southland group manager Timo Bierlin said.
While a seemingly innocuous cause, Fenz said people should be wary of the risk of fires starting from sparks as Southland gets drier.
Six crew raced to stop the fire from spreading to the farmhouse, sheds, farm “implements” and fuel supplies.