Evacuations are now underway as firefighters continue to battle a large scrub fire in Dunedin.
Helicopters are using monsoon buckets to fight the blaze as tankers and trucks struggle to reach the fire on the ground. Eight helicopters have now been deployed.
There are fears a predicted wind change may fan flames towards residential areas.
Fire and Emergency said the fire now covers 12 hectares and several properties have been evacuated.
Fire and Emergency’s regional manager, Mike Grant, said firefighting conditions have improved with the temperature dropping and humidity increasing.
Firefighters were alerted to the scrub fire on Dunedin’s popular Pineapple Track shortly before 1pm this afternoon.
Police are advising residents on Rudd Road and those near Redwood mountain bike track to evacuate.
Cordons are going up near Redwood car park and Wakari Rd. Firefighters will remain on the ground overnight if needed.
All walking tracks in the Flagstaff area have now been closed, as have several roads.
Heavy winds are gusting in the area and smoke is blanketing the city’s western hill suburbs.
It is unclear how the fire started.
Source: rnz.co.nz Republished by arrangement.