Mr Booth thanked the Wanaka community for their generous donation of baking, fruit and foods during the day. Earlier today, Principal Rural Fire Officer Graeme Still warned Wanaka residents they should not be fooled by the lack of flames, as the fire was "deep seated" and far from extinguished. Crews from Wanaka, Hawea, Luggate, Dunstan and Arrowtown worked overnight to protect homes on the outskirts of the town from the blaze. The fire was visible from Wanaka yesterday and at least 100 people drove up Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd to get a closer view. Wanaka has had less than 5mm of rain since December 9, and the temperatures over the last three days, including today, have all been in the high twenties with high winds.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 03, 2018 18:47 UTC