New Zealand
1News

11 fire crews tackle large scrub fire north of Twizel

September 20, 2023

People may be forced to evacuate after a large scrub fire broke out in Pukaki Downs, north of Twizel this evening.

Eleven fire crews from Twizel, Mt Cook, Omarama, Burkes Pass and Lake Tekapo were called in to help fight the blaze, which began around 7.45pm.

"If anyone in the area feels unsafe from the fire, they should self-evacuate," Fire and Emergency said in a media release.

"Fire and Emergency is assessing if people do need to be evacuated and will work with police to carry these out should the need eventuate."

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson told 1News FENZ "anticipates it will be a fairly long duration incident, due to high winds in the area".

"It may go into tomorrow."

New ZealandChristchurch and Canterbury

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