PHOTOS: FIRE AND EMERGENCY NEW ZEALANDA contractor was saved from a fiery end when a helicopter was used to pluck him from an out-of-control scrub fire near Queenstown, which firefighters are still battling — despite hundreds of hectares going up in smoke. Eight helicopters and four ground crews worked desperately to contain the fire while winds fanned it up Mt Crichton. The man was not responsible for setting the fire, Mr Mawhinney said. "We are optimistic, but [today’s] weather may cause us some difficulties, with very strong winds forecast before the arrival of another front," Mr Mawhinney said. The steep terrain made for a very challenging operating environment and the highest point of the fire was 1300m, Mr Mawhinney said.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 10, 2022 03:53 UTC