120ha burnt during Tiwai Point fire, four helicopters to attend at first light

One hundred and twenty hectares of vegetation has been burnt after a fire broke out near Tiwai Point, Southland. Photo / Megan Williams

• Four helicopters will battle a large fire near Tiwai Point this morning.
• The fire has burnt through 120 hectares of vegetation since just before midnight.
• No structures are affected, but people are advised to stay away from the area.

Four helicopters are expected to battle a large fire near Tiwai Point at first light this morning.

The blaze at the bottom of the South Island has burnt through 120ha of vegetation already.

A local councillor said she was “heartbroken” to learn of the fire which is still uncontrolled.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Lyn Crosson said the fire began just before midnight.

Crosson confirmed it was a vegetation fire - no houses or structures were affected - but people should stay away from the area.

One hundred and twenty hectares of vegetation has been burnt after a fire broke out near Tiwai Point, Southland. Photo / Megan Williams

Four water tankers and two rural pumps were at the scene awaiting the assistance of four helicopters.

Invercargill City councillor Alex CRackett said she was “heartbroken” after hearing about the fire.

“Right now, the fire is uncontrolled and has spread across about 120 hectares,” Crackett said.

“They have ground crews and aircraft working together to get it under control.

“Thankfully, the Tiwai smelter and nearby, distant homes are safe for now.”

She urged residents to stay away from the fire and said it was “crucial” to give firefighters space.