Large fire near Lake Pukaki self evacuations underway
Photo: Jason Swain
Fire and Emergency crews are battling a large scrub fire east of Lake Pukaki.
Crews were called to Pukaki Downs area about 7.45PM
High winds is making conditions tough for firefighters.
Twizel resident Scott Aronsen said the fire started near an area close to the lavender farm off Mt Cook Highway.
PHOTO: SCOTT ARONSEN
“Strong northwest wind are fuelling this, so I don’t know if they’re going to be able to get it under control tonight.”
He said “it looks quite big and it’s moving fast.”
Emergency services at intersection of State Highway 80 and 8
Multiple crews from across the Mackenzie district were battling the blaze.
Mr Aronsen said at least 5 rural properties were in the path of the fire.
A FENZ spokesman said anyone who feels unsafe self evacuate, but there were no official warnings at this point.
Eleven appliances have been called in from Twizel, Mt Cook, Omarama, Burkes Pass and Lake Tekapo.
A police spokesman said police are assisting FENZ in a traffic management capacity as FENZ attend a scrub fire on Mt Cook Road, Ohau.
Some properties have been evacuated as a precaution.
It was too windy for helicopters.
