Picton fire almost out

A major scrub and grass fire in Picton is close to being under control.

The fire, spread over 70 hectares, started yesterday in the Oyster Bay area north east of Picton when high winds knocked over power poles. Sparks from poles set fire to a pine forest.

Several homes were evacuated and others threatened overnight as Fire Service and Rural Fire staff battled the blaze which was fanned by gale force winds.

High winds initially prevented the helicopters from getting off the ground to help fight the fire.

Engines from Picton, Blenheim, Rarangi and Linkwater were called out to help control the flames.