Some homes have been evacuated and power was cut to hundreds of people as fire crews battled a blaze near Roxburgh on Monday.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A\u00a0Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) spokesman said they received multiple calls\u00a0 about 2.45pm about pine trees on fire in Roxburgh East, across the Clutha River from Roxburgh township.<\/p>\n
In an update on Monday evening Fenz said the fire was not yet under control, and crews were still working to protect\u00a0residential buildings.<\/p>\n
Winds that had fanned the flames for much of the afternoon had dropped, and it had started to rain, which would help considerably, a Fenz spokesman said.<\/p>\n
Six homes\u00a0on Ladysmith Rd had been evacuated as a precaution.There had been no damage to any properties.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Earlier, using aircraft to fight the fire was not an option due to the high winds, but a helicopter was now being brought in to assist before nightfall, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite a few” crews were in attendance in the\u00a0afternoon\u00a0working alongside the Roxburgh Volunteer Fire Brigade, including firefighters from Lawrence, Millers Flat, Dunstan Rural and Alexandra.<\/p>\n
Using aircraft to fight the fire was not an option due to the high winds, the spokesman said.<\/p>\n
More than 220\u00a0customers in the area were without electricity due to a fire safety disconnection at one point in the afternoon, but power was gradually being restored.<\/p>\n
At 8.45pm the Aurora Energy website showed there were still some properties without power.<\/p>\n
A Ladysmith Rd resident took to social media this afternoon to ask people to stay away from the area.<\/p>\n
“Please . . don’t come down Ladysmith Rd unless you need to come here. It’s a narrow road and the emergency services need all the room they can get. It’s congested here.”<\/p>\n
The Roxburgh Community Resilience group was on standby to help and other people offered help with animals, food and shelter.<\/p>\n
“Your community is at the ready to support you,” one posted.<\/p>\n
The Roxburgh blaze was one of several vegetation fires in Otago on Monday, and officials said the severe wind had made the the situation worse.<\/p>\n
All of the fires had escalated quickly, Fenz\u00a0District Commander Blair Kiely said.<\/p>\n
“Strong winds and warm temperatures mean that fires spread quickly and are much more difficult for our firefighters to contain and bring under control, Kiely said.<\/p>\n
“The winds were so strong today that in most places we were not able to use aircraft.”<\/p>\n
He thanked everyone who had pitched in to help on Monday: “I would like to thank every firefighter who has responded to the fires across Otago today, and all those who have been in support roles.<\/p>\n
“Giving up their Labour Day holiday to fight fires was a selfless act to support our communities.”<\/p>\n