Takitimu Forest vegetation fire to burn overnight after helicopters stood down
A vegetation fire in a remote part of western Southland will continue burning overnight after helicopters battling the blaze were stood down for the evening.
The fire, near Takitimu Forest and south of State Highway 94, was reported to Fire and Emergency New Zealand shortly before 4pm.
Six helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets fought the blaze, while a seventh monitored and co-ordinated aerial operations.
Difficult terrain prevented ground crews from reaching the fire, near Te Anau.
Firefighters worked to protect two telecommunications towers threatened by the blaze.
Aerial operations have ended for the night, with Fire and Emergency praising crews for doing “an excellent job in difficult conditions”.
The fire is expected to continue burning overnight amid strong winds, but there is no reported threat to homes.
Weather conditions are expected to become more favourable overnight.
A Fire and Emergency officer will conduct a flyover on Monday morning to assess the blaze before a new firefighting plan is developed.