The fire was still not under control early this afternoon. Photo: Gerard O'Brien
Photo: Charlotte Rodriguez
Firefighters watch from the mainland. Photo: Charlotte Rodriguez
Aerial assistance joined the fight against the fire. Photo: Charlotte Rodriguez
Photo: Charlotte Rodriguez
A fire has destroyed about one hectare of pine and scrub forest on Rabbit Island in Blueskin Bay, north of Dunedin.
Crews were called to the scene about 11am, the response including four fire trucks and two tankers, while two helicopters also assisted for a time.
Officers searched the scene, but found no one on the island.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Blair Walklin said access to the island was a bit of a "logistical nightmare", but they were working with authorities to determine the cause and spread of the blaze.
As of 3.45pm, crews were still battling the fire, but one of the helicopters had left.
