Source: Radio New Zealand
Fire and Emergency says a large grass fire in Central Otago has now been contained.
FENZ was called to a large grass fire that was threatening structures in the Springvale area near Clyde before 3.30pm.
About 18 fire crews responded along with four helicopters and at least eight properties were evacuated.
Fire and Emergency said the helicopters had now been stood down.
A large grassfire was threatening structures in the Springvale area near Clyde in Central Otago. Kaden Campbell
The fire was 400 metres by 400 metres initially, but a spokesperson earlier said it was spreading quickly through grass and pine trees.
Aimz Hemming said they were able to smell the smoke from their street a few kilometres away.
“When the alarm went off, all the sirens were go,” Hemming said. “It was a wee bit scary.”
* Are you in the area? Contact RNZ at iwitness@rnz.co.nz
Earlier a spokesperson said it was unknown if any properties had been damaged at this stage and crews had also moved livestock out of paddocks that were under threat.
Fire and Emergency is working with police to close Springvale Road.
The fire is in the Springvale area, near Clyde. Supplied / Facebook
People were urged to stay away from the area and to be extra cautious as a lot of crews were tied up fighting to contain this fire, the spokesperson said.
Fire and Emergency also said the fire was producing a lot of smoke which was drifting towards Alexandra.
“If you are in the vicinity of the smoke, please stay inside with windows closed.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
