A runaway burn-off near Lawrence has doubled in size this evening as firefighters prepare to suspend operations due to strong winds.
The fire began when a burn-off raced out of control this afternoon near Roughan Rd, south-west of Lawrence towards Tuapeka Flat.
It has doubled in size from 10 to 20ha over the past three hours and the operations of two helicopters with monsoon buckets had been suspended for the night.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman Mau Barbara said about 9pm crews at the scene would suspend operations overnight after about an hour's more firefighting.
"The winds are coming, so hopefully they'll be able to knock it back enough to keep it contained overnight.
Crews from Lawrence, Waitahuna, Clutha Valley and Waihola had been dispatched to the scene near Roughan Rd, south-west of Lawrence towards Tuapeka Flat.
A command unit from Dunedin Central Fire Station was sent inland about 6pm.
The fire had spread to about 10 hectares by 6pm and had started to engulf a small strand of pine trees.
