Campsite evacuated over tree-fall risk

Occupants of a Department of Conservation campsite near Haast are being evacuated due to the threat of falling trees.

Senior ranger Annette Grieve confirmed police from Haast had requested the department close the Pleasant Flat Campsite beside State Highway 6, 45km east of Haast, due to high winds and the risk of branches coming down.

There were unconfirmed reports that 70 people had stayed at the ground last night.

She said police were  on site and were waiting for DoC staff from Haast to arrive with closure tape and signage.

Ms Grieve said police were also concerned at the remoteness of the site  if “anything happened” as the road between Pleasant Flat Campsite and Makarora was currently closed.

She said “the occupants would probably return to Haast as there were not many other places to go”.