Multiple helicopters and eight fire appliances from across Southland are working to put out a vegetation fire near Nightcaps. Two appliances from Nightcaps and Mossburn were sent to the scene, near Sinclair Ave (State Highway 96), about 6km from Nightcaps. By 1pm, due to access issues, three more crews from Nightcaps, Drummond and Athol were dispatched to assist. Three crews battled approximately five spot fires spread out on a section of road between Hedgehope and Mataura. It was not yet clear what had caused the fires; however, crews would be investigating.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 13, 2021 01:52 UTC