A fire that broke out above the hills in the Wellington suburb of Wadestown has been brought under control.
Helicopter putting out Wadestown fire with monsoon buckets Photo: RNZ/ Colin Peacock
Fire crews remain at the scene where half a hectare of pine trees went up in flames in the Wellington suburb of Wadestown earlier today.
Mount Cook resident and RNZ editor Paddy Burgin said it was a large bush fire in the hills above Thorndon.
Holy smokes. There's a busy fire just south of Wadestown
— Roman (@NZSmartie) February 9, 2019
Northern Walk, Thorndon, Wellington 6011https://t.co/NqoQZ8qnjF pic.twitter.com/9jZbSjwnBi
It was sending smoke billowing across the central city and people posted pictures on social media.
It is on the northern slopes between Thorndon and Wadestown.
Mr Burgin said he thought it was a vegetation fire and completely in the face of the northerly wind.
Fire and Emergency received the call just before 4pm of a fire in the Town Belt, at the top of Weld Street.
Firefighters at the Wadestown fire Photo: RNZ/ Colin Peacock
A fire spokesperson said while the fire has been contained, the difficult terrain has meant the fire operation has taken a while.
Around 7pm a helicopter dumped water on the scene.
More than 20 firefighters still remain at the scene dampening down hotspots.
Firefighters at the Wadestown fire Photo: RNZ/ Colin Peacock
Firefighters at the Wadestown fire Photo: RNZ/ Colin Peacock
