Wither Hills blaze brought under control

File photo / NZ Herald

A 7ha fire in Blenheim's Wither Hills has forced the the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre to close today.

Kelsey McNabb, a staff member at the museum, said the blaze is less than three kilometres from the museum and was at one point large enough to send black smoke over the museum's large hangars, although it had died down by 4pm.

Smoke forced the museum to close its doors around midday.

Ms McNabb said three helicopters fighting the blaze with monsoon buckets had been taking off from the aerodrome.

Meanwhile, some ash fell on the Wither Hills winery.

A café staff member, Gemma, said she didn't believe the ash had had any adverse effect on the winery and the blaze was about 5km away.

Marlborough Kaikoura's Rural Fire Authority said the fire started in pine trees south of the Rotary Lookout at 11.45am. By 4pm Sunday, the blaze had been contained to an area of 6.9ha.

Police are working with the Authority to investigate the fire.

Wither Hills Farm Park contains walking and mountain biking tracks and sheep. The tracks have been closed until further notice. Residents of houses which skirt the Wither Hills have been asked to keep away from the scene, although no properties are currently under threat.

Hot spots will be dampened down on Monday.