Wanaka blaze destroys 150 hectares of tussock

Fire fighters this afternoon managed to bring a blaze on Department of Conservation (DOC) land near Wanaka under control after it destroyed about 150 hectares of tussock.

The fire is one of at least two to have spread from a controlled burnoff on farmland this morning.

DOC spokesman John Gordon said a fire that spread into the Mt Alta Conservation Area on the western side of Lake Wanaka burned about 150 hectares of tussock and singed a beech forest before being brought under control.

Seven four-person ground crews were able to ring the fire and were this afternoon dampening down the perimeter. Four helicopters were also used.

A DOC fire fighter at the scene said a combination of good luck and favourable weather conditions helped prevent further damage.

"If the wind had risen more it could have been different," he said.

Mr Gordon said about 80 hectares of beech forest in two blocks was under threat when the fire was at its peak.

Fire fighters were continuing to dampen down hotspots and a watch would be kept on the area over the weekend.

- NZPA