Firefighters contain multiple vegetation fires across Otago, Southland regions

A fire broke out in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston this afternoon. Photo / Dwindle River Studio

Fire crews have successfully contained multiple vegetation fires across the lower South Island.

In an update this evening, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said crews were called to a forestry block fire near Mataura in Southland about 2.10pm.

“The fire is 300 x 200m and our crews now have it contained.

“Three trucks remain on site alongside a digger, while the two helicopters have ceased operations.

“State Highway 96 is closed between State Highway 1 and Waimumu because of the fire. It will remain closed overnight,” Fire and Emergency said.

Power has been reinstated in the area.

“A small crew will be monitoring the fire overnight and more firefighters will return in the morning for mop-up.”

Nine trucks and two helicopters were on the scene at the blaze at one point this afternoon.

Two helicopters dropping water on a blaze in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston. Photo / Dwindle River Studio

Palmerston

Fire crews were also called to a blaze in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston about 2.35pm.

“The fire has burnt 25 hectares of pine. With the wind dying down this evening, our crews have been able to contain the fire,” Fire and Emergency said.

“There are currently ground crews still working alongside eight trucks and four helicopters.

“The helicopters will cease operations at sunset, and one crew will remain overnight. More crews will return in the morning to continue mopping up.”

Fire and Emergency said there were currently no structures at risk.

“Smoke may blow towards the town tonight. People in the vicinity of the fire should keep windows and doors shut and stay inside if possible. Remember to also keep the ventilation systems in your house and car turned off.”

Two helicopters fighting a blaze in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston Photo / Dwindle River Studio

Balclutha

The paddock fire in Balclutha, to which 12 trucks and two helicopters responded, is now under control.

Crews were called to the scene about 1pm.

“Two rural trucks remain on site dampening down. There were two helicopters responding which have since ceased operations.”

Windy conditions

High winds had caused all of the fires to spread quickly, Fire and Emergency said.

“People must not light any outdoor fires this afternoon and must check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to ensure they are not in danger of reignition.

“Don’t leave them to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because you can’t see any flames or smoke.

“The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards.”

Earlier, crews responded to a paddock fire in Papakaio in Otago after a trampoline was blown into powerlines.

“We were alerted at around 2.40pm this afternoon and four crews are fighting the fire.”

They were also called to a second incident where wind had blown three branches on to two cars in Oamaru. A dog in one car was not hurt.

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