Smoke rises from a scrub fire at Tiwai Point, in Southland. Photo: Shane Rhodes
The fire service responds to a scrub fire. Photo: Shane Rhodes
A helicopter collects water in its monsoon bucket to fight a scrub fire at Tiwai Point. Shane Rhodes
The fire which was burning through tall dry scrub was about 150 metres by 50 metres. Photo: Shane Rhodes
Three helicopters with monsoon buckets helped to bring the fire under control about 4pm. Photo: Shane Rhodes
A lack of wind made it easier for firefighters to get a scrub fire near the Tiwai Point smelter under control yesterday.
A fire communications spokeswoman told Stuff the fire was reported shortly before 3pm.
She said three helicopters with monsoon buckets helped to bring the fire under control about 4pm.
The fire which was burning through tall dry scrub was about 150 metres by 50 metres, she said.
Southern Rural Fire community and education coordinator Sally Chesterfield said the fire appeared to be contained after 6pm.
Hotspots continued be hosed down by firefighters until dark to reduce the likelihood of it flaring up again.
