Nine Helicopters, Eight Ground Crews to Fight Southland Blaze

Extra fire crews are being brought in today to try and contain a large blaze on conservation wetlands at Awarua, south of Invercargill.

The fire which started on Saturday and extends from the head of Awarua Bay to the Waituna Wetlands has burnt through about 1000 hectares containing peat.

Fire and Emergency said it is almost guaranteed to get bigger today, with a change in wind direction forecast for this afternoon.

This will bring easterly gusts up to 45 knots, blowing the fire toward unburnt land rather than away from it.

Awarua Bay Road has been closed to the public and people are asked to stay away from the area.

Nine Helicopters and eight ground crews resumed fighting the fire at 8am today this morning, with heavy machinery used to create fire breaks.

Low temperatures and some dew helped contain the fire overnight and today firefighters will be concentrating on hot spots.

NW winds of up to 15km are predicted today – ideal conditions to allow firefighters to continue making the fire safe. A little rain is forecast but not enough to make a difference to the fire.

A drone was spotted around the area of the fire where aircraft are operating. Please do not fly drones in this area. This will result in helicopters having to be grounded, impacting firefighting efforts.