Scrub fire covers hundreds of metres

Central Otago firefighters from two stations yesterday rushed to tackle a scrub fire by Gorge Creek near Fruitlands in the Teviot Valley.

The fire, not far from the miners monument at Fruitlands, burned in a stretch across land for hundreds of metres but destroyed only vegetation.

Two fire trucks from Alexandra and three from Dunstan were sent to the scene just after 3pm yesterday.

The fire covered about 500m by 200m when it was at its height, Fire and Emergency New Zealand shift manager Jill Higgison said.

It was brought under control and then extinguished by 6pm.

At one point, the fire jumped Fruitlands-Roxburgh Rd and advanced up a hill.

Wind created some difficulties but no structures were at risk and helicopters were not needed to help the firefighting effort.