A large scrub fire close to Purakaunui has been brought under control this afternoon. There were concerns the blaze could have spread to a nearby plantation of pine trees, but it is no longer under threat. Southern Fire Service shift manager Daryl Ball said they were alerted to the burn-off, north-east of Dunedin, about 3.20pm. Two helicopters are helping volunteer fire crews from Port Chalmers and Waitati fight the blaze.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 16, 2017 01:41 UTC