Fire under control but danger not over
A Central Otago lodge owner forced to evacuate guests as a late-night scrub fire raged nearby says the experience was ‘‘scary’’.
Fire crews were called to the blaze on Waipiata-Kokonga Rd, near Ranfurly, about 6.10pm on Wednesday.
Initial reports indicated the fire was started by a passing storm.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokeswoman Zelda Jordan said 15 people from two properties – Kokonga Lodge and a home – were evacuated.
The lodge occupants returned yesterday morning, while those in the house were due to return last night.
Kokonga Lodge owner Frank Siermans said he and his guests got the call to leave at 10pm.
‘‘We have been running around with buckets of water . . . It was horrendous. I can’t explain it.
‘‘I have never seen anything like it. When the wind got up it was scary.’’
The fire had spread overnight on Wednesday to an area covering about 300 hectares but was contained yesterday.
Jordan said crews were also contending with strong winds, which could ‘‘change the situation rapidly’’.
‘‘Police have notified all people between Waipiata and Hyde to be prepared to evacuate immediately if required.’’
State Highway 87 reopened about 3pm and the Otago Central Rail Trail from Waipiata to Hyde will reopen today.
Jordan said two ground crews would monitor the scene overnight. Two helicopters would return to the scene at first light today, along with three ground crews and a tanker.