Fire crews are this morning continuing to monitor a fire by Lake Hawea that forced the evacuation of several houses yesterday.
The fire swept up a hillside near four houses above State Highway 6 at the turn-off to Lake Hawea yesterday evening.
About 10 people were evacuated, and they stayed overnight with family and friends or in accommodation in Wanaka, Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer for Central Otago Mark Mawhinney said this morning.
Four ground crews were this morning working to mop up and contain spot fires in approximately 5ha of forest on the slopes of Mount Maude, to the southwest of Lake Hawea township, he said.
“The fire is not spreading at this stage. Given the strength of the wind and the fact that the fire didn’t spread overnight we’re comfortable with the current situation. We don’t foresee any further risk to structures or property,” he said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) was helping residents from the affected properties to return and collect belongings this morning. It was hoped they could return permanently later today.
The fire erupted in pine trees shortly after 5.20pm, closed SH6 and caused the evacuation of about ten people living close to the affected area.
The highway has now reopened.
Fenz Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Bobby Lamont yesterday said the fire appeared to have started near the roadside.
The four houses above the fire were "well protected'', and occupants were evacuated early.
One was a volunteer firefighter in Lake Hawea, "so he put the word out pretty quick''.
Crews from Hawea, Wanaka, Luggate, Tarras and Dunstan tackled the blaze on the ground.
Hundreds of people lined roads in the Lake Hawea township for a clear view of the fire.
Mr Mawhinney said emergency services would continue to monitor the affected area for at least the next two days.
“I would like to thank all agencies, contractors and individuals involved with what appears to have been a very successful operation. The patience and support of the local community, especially the management and staff of the Lake Hawea Hotel, has been very much appreciated, ” he said.
A fire investigator was on site.
Fenz is calling for anyone with photographs or video of the fire in its early stages to email material to them at mark.mawhinney@fireandemergency.nz
