A bush fire in Upper Hutt that was thought to be under control yesterday afternoon flared up again overnight. Video / David Nicholas / @ichaber via Twitter / Chris Mills
A bush fire in Upper Hutt is now under control after three helicopters rushed to drop water bombs to support firefighters on the ground.
The fire near Evergreen Cres in the suburb of Trentham was first reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand after 3pm today.
At 5pm today FENZsaid the fire was under control but still about 2ha in size.
"Firefighters are still on scene to extinguish the fire and a third helicopter is on the way to assist firefighting efforts before dark," Fire and Emergency said in a statement.
Two helicopters are helping a ground team. Photo / FENZ, Facebook
"Some ground crews will remain on scene to monitor overnight. There is still a lot of smoke around. If you are affected by the smoke, particularly those downwind of the fire, please keep your windows and doors closed. "
Footage of the helicopters dropping water on the bushy hills beside Evergreen Cres was taken by concerned locals this afternoon.
"What a Saturday," one person posted.
Another wrote: "That's no good, it's too hot & dry right now!"
Helicopters dropped water on the bushy hills beside Evergreen Cres. Photo / Supplied
Fire and Emergency said in a statement that about 10 nearby properties had been asked to prepare to evacuate if required "as a precaution".
"Fire and Emergency has been in contact with these properties. People are asked to please stay away from the area and let the firefighters do their work."
