Eight helicopter crews are helping fight a large fire in the Otago high country after a burn-off got out of control. Fire and Emergency NZ (Fenz) were called to the burn-off in Macraes, about 50 kilometres north of Dunedin, at 6.30am on Wednesday. Strong winds caused what began as a controlled burn-off to flare up again and push the fire outside its designated area, Norris said. In a statement, Fenz said the strong winds and warm temperatures were making conditions difficult for firefighters. The fire also spread from a controlled burn-off, Fenz Otago and Southland community engagement advisor Sally Chesterfield said.

Source: Stuff September 08, 2020 21:32 UTC