Car in flames on skifield access road

A car went on fire on the access road to the Remarkables Ski Area this afternoon, causing a vegetation blaze that needed ground crews and helicopters to extinguish.

Crews were called to the blaze about 1.25pm.

At 3pm they were still in attendance but the fire had been contained and they were mopping up. 

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokeswoman said crews from Frankton and Queenstown attended, while two helicopters provided air support.

An NZSki spokeswoman said a vehicle travelling down the access road experienced mechanical issues.

The occupants pulled off the road and got out of the vehicle. Soon after, the vehicle ignited.

There were no injuries and the road was closed, the spokeswoman said.

The vegetation fire was understood to have been about 100m by 50m.

oscar.francis@odt.co.nz