Operation at Ohau to be scaled back, missing dog found

Milo the kelpie who went missing at the weekend amidst the commotion of the blaze in Ohau has today been found.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said they had confirmation about 4pm today that the dog had been reunited with her owner Norm Mackay.

After going missing on Sunday, Milo has been reunited with her owner. Photo: Fenz
After going missing on Sunday, Milo has been reunited with her owner. Photo: Fenz Facebook

"She had been missing since the early hours of Sunday morning."

Fenz also said this afternoon it would be scaling back its operation at Ohau.

"The fire has burned through more than 5040ha, since it started in the early hours of Sunday morning.

"It is now well contained and there are substantial fire breaks around the perimeter."

The fire has burnt through an area of 5032ha at Lake Ohau. Photo: Fenz
The fire has burnt through an area of 5032ha at Lake Ohau. Photo: Fenz

Incident controller Rob Hands said he was immensely proud of the effort put in by all the crews.

"Crews from around the lower half of the South Island have assisted with the fire," Mr Hands said.

"We have also been fortunate enough to be assisted by several partners including Department of Conservation personnel, heavy machinery operators and local pilots."

The cordon to Lake Ohau Village remains in place.

Six crews are going to be on the ground tomorrow, mopping up and checking for any hidden hot spots, he said.

Fenz said updated mapping showed the fire had burnt through about 5040ha, with a perimeter of 53km.

Earlier today the fire perimeter was 91% controlled to 50 metres and 9% to 10 metres, which kept the blaze within the containment zone.

Several new crews had arrived to assist with the effort, Hands said.

"We have crews from all over Canterbury, Otago and Southland and we really appreciate them coming to assist." 

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