Fire crews have abandoned their fight to save a building and more are at risk as crews continue to fight a fierce, fast-moving fire fanned by strong winds near Twizel in the Mackenzie District this afternoon. 14 helicopters, two fixed-wing aeroplanes, and 10 appliances on the ground were trying to get the fire under control. The fire was first reported in a grassy area, but strong winds caused the fire to spread to a forestry plantation. The fire was first reported in a grassy area, but strong winds caused it to spread "relatively quickly" to a forestry plantation. Multiple crews from Omarama, Otematata, Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass and a command unit from Timaru were at the scene.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 30, 2020 00:48 UTC