Blaze threatened orchard

A grass fire threatened a hazelnut orchard at Maheno on Thursday, the second such blaze in North Otago within two days.

Fortunately, firefighters and some quick thinking from people at a nearby property promptly eliminated the threat.

Five appliances, including two tankers, from the Kakanui Volunteer Fire Brigade, Waitaki Volunteer Rural Fire Force and Weston Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to the blaze in Island Stream Rd between Buzan and Paton Rds about 2.15pm.

A roughly 40m stretch of grass either side of the road was scorched by flames, which came within metres of igniting a row of trees next to the orchard.

About a dozen firefighters fought the fire with water, foam and hand tools.

The cause was not known but it was initially suspected the grass might have been set ablaze by a faulty power pole nearby, which a Network Waitaki engineer at the scene said was not the case.

Kakanui Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy controller Tim Bell said the blaze was fanned by strong winds and if not for the efforts of nearby residents before fire crews arrived, could easily have spread further.

People needed to ensure all fires were fully extinguished, given the recent weather conditions in North Otago, he said.

"With the high winds we have had lately it would be a good idea for people to check fires they have been burning recently that they think are out, are, because the winds are pretty good at the moment."

On Wednesday, thick smoke blanketed a section of Beach Rd in Oamaru after a burn-off, which was also spread by strong winds, spread to a grass bank.