Fire crews and helicopters fighting an 80 hectare blaze at Waipori falls have been stood down for the night. A police spokeswoman said no properties at the Waipori Falls village appeared to be under threat, but police officers were on standby tonight, to evacuate residents if it becomes necessary. Mr Norris said a large area of mainly tussock and scrub caught fire near Waipori Falls Rd, about 1.20pm. Eight helicopters with monsoon buckets, and fire crews from Waihola, Outram and Dunedin, including a Command Unit from Dunedin, continued to fight the fire until 9pm. He said about 75% of the fire’s perimeter had been contained by the time crews stood down, but a large area was still burning out of control.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 16, 2020 01:52 UTC