Marlborough fire: 25 hectare grass blaze contained, lucky escape for Yealands Estate Winery

Vines destroyed by fire at the Yealands vineyard. Photo / Anthony Phelps

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) crews have contained a grass blaze that grew to 25 hectares near the small Marlborough town of Seddon, which threatened Yealands Estate Winery.

A Fenz spokesperson said: “A fast-moving fire of approx 25ha has now been contained. Crews are still on the scene extinguishing hot spots.”

Fenz shift manager Lyn Crosson said earlier that crews received calls about the grass blaze just before 11am.

Emergency services at the scene after the blaze was contained. Photo / Anthony Phelps

Ten fire appliances and support vehicles as well as three helicopters from the Marlborough region were called to the fire.

Police said they were notified about the grass fire on Seaview Road at 10.55am.

A police spokesperson said: “Police were only required to assist with traffic management”.

Yealands Estate Winery’s general manager of sustainability Mike Wentworth told the Herald the winery was evacuated as a precaution.

“The team is extremely grateful to Fire and Emergency for their quick and professional response.

“The fire is now contained. Marlborough emergency management, fire, police and the rapid response team who attended the scene, are dampening down any remaining hotspots.

“The initial assessment is that damage is limited to grass and vegetation, with minimal impact on the productive vineyard,” Wentworth said.

On January 10, South Marlborough moved to a prohibited fire season until further notice.

A prohibited fire season means a total ban on outdoor fires and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.

Fenz’s Marlborough Group Manager Chris Hayles said earlier: “With the hot and dry weather we have been experiencing, we have very high fire danger. Fires will start and spread very easily and could be extremely difficult to contain.”