A fire west of Wanaka has been contained, but two helicopters are still being used to drop water on hot-spots and ground crews remain at the scene. Fanned by variable and changeable winds, the fire lit up the night sky last night across a front of about 1km on a hill next to the Mt Aspiring Road, about 10km from Wanaka. It is understood the fire is on Alpha Burn Station, and that it started about 9pm near the road, and close to the turn off to the Diamond Lake walking track. By 9.45am the fire was contained, but rural crews and a command unit from Alexandra were still on the ground checking for hot-spots. Two helicopters were also dropping water on hot-spots.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 07, 2019 19:41 UTC