Dozens of homes destroyed by fire at Lake Ohau

Dozens of homes have been destroyed by a savage wildfire in the Mackenzie Basin which forced residents to flee for their lives early yesterday morning. At least 20 houses in Lake Ohau Village have been damaged or destroyed by the huge fire, which was fanned by strong westerly winds as it tore through pine forests and tussock grass. About 200 residents sought refuge at an evacuation centre that's been set up in Twizel, while nearby campsites and other properties were also evacuated. Lake Ohau Village resident David Stone says there are about 50 houses in the small village, many of which he believes have been destroyed...including his own.