Firefighters and helicopters continue to battle Palmerston, South Island wildfire

More than a dozen crews will be joined by helicopters today to continue the fight wildfires in the lower South Island.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Blair Walklin said their focus will be on Palmerston, between Dunedin and Oamaru.

Their aim will be to map out the blaze’s perimeter.

A fire broke out in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston. Photo / Dwindle River Studio

It’s one of three fires that broke out in hot and windy conditions yesterday afternoon.

Wakelin said five ground crews had been at the site overnight, but that was expected to grow to more than a dozen now that daylight had broken.

A fire at a forestry block at Mataura was now contained and being monitored, while a paddock fire near Balclutha had been put out.

They were first called to this fire at 2.10pm.

“The fire is 300 x 200m and our crews now have it contained,” a Fire and Emergency spokesperson said last night.

“Three trucks remain on site alongside a digger, while the two helicopters have ceased operations.

“State Highway 96 is closed between State Highway 1 and Waimumu because of the fire. It will remain closed overnight.”

Power has been reinstated in the area.

“A small crew will be monitoring the fire overnight, and more firefighters will return in the morning for mop-up.”

Fire crews were also called to a blaze in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston, about 2.35pm.

Two helicopters fighting a blaze in pine trees near Goodwood, Palmerston. Photo / Dwindle River Studio

There were fears smoke would blow towards the town overnight. Residents were urged to keep their doors and windows shut and stay inside where possible.

“The fire has burnt 25 hectares of pine. With the wind dying down this evening, our crews have been able to contain the fire,” Fire and Emergency said.

“There are currently ground crews still working alongside eight trucks and four helicopters.

“The helicopters will cease operations at sunset, and one crew will remain overnight. More crews will return in the morning to continue mopping up.”

High winds had caused all of the fires to spread quickly, Fire and Emergency said.

“People must not light any outdoor fires this afternoon and must check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to ensure they are not in danger of reignition.

“Don’t leave them to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because you can’t see any flames or smoke.

“The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards.”