A Central Otago fire is estimated to be burning through close to 200 hectares of regenerating bush.
(File photo). Photo: 123RF
The fire broke out near Glendhu Bay around 1.30pm this afternoon, briefly closing Mount Aspiring Road through the popular camping spot.
In its latest update Fire and Emergency said the fire is burning across an estimated 180-200 hectares of regenerating bush at Emerald Bay near Wānaka and is not yet contained.
Earlier tonight there were 10 appliances and eight helicopters fighting the fire and another aircraft coordinating the air attack.
Fire and Emergency said the aircraft would stand down at about 9.30pm but ground crews are staying to monitor the fire overnight.
In a statement, spokesperson Jason Sarich said a wind shift forecast for tonight could move the fire closer to a small number of houses at Emerald Bluffs.
He said residents have been alerted to the situation and Fire and Emergency has also been liaising with police and Emergency Management Otago in case evacuations are required.
A rural fire investigator will travel to the scene tomorrow to try to establish the fire's cause.
Earlier Fire and Emergency said in a statement that a drone that had been around the fire had now been grounded.
The agency warned that to keep the teams safe, anyone operating drones in the area must ground them immediately.
"There have been reports of drones operating near the fire, this is exceptionally dangerous with helicopters in the air and they need to be ground immediately."
Large bush fire happening 2km from Glendu Bay. Emergency services arriving at the scene. pic.twitter.com/HMiMyGq4Pr
— Mx Manaia Kahukura (They/Them/Ia)️️⚧️ (@mrmanaia) January 9, 2022
Lakes District Council Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod said there is no tolerance for drones getting in the way of the emergency response.
"If you're putting property and potentially people at risk with flying a drone to get some photos of the fire, that's just not acceptable. So hopefully is somebody is flying a drone, they can be located and we can process them in an appropriate fashion."
