Firefighters respond to vegetation fire near Lake Takapō/Tekapo

Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews have responded to a vegetation fire near Lake Takapō/Tekapo, northeast of the fire still burning at Pukaki Downs.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said they were alerted to a vegetation fire in Lake Takapō/Tekapo around 12.50pm.

Fire and Emergency assistant commander Stephen Butler at a media stand-up in Twizel confirmed the fire was near Mt. Gerald Station on Lilybank Rd, north end of Lake Takapō/Tekapo.

“It’s quite a big fire, but it’s not threatening any property at this stage,” Butler said.

The spokesperson said seven fire trucks from Lake Takapō/Tekapo, Ashburton and Fairlie have responded to the fire.

A statement issued by Fire and Emergency at 5.30pm said residents were advised as a precaution to keep windows closed because of smoke from the fire at the top of the lake.

Rain was expected in the area on Thursday evening, and snow on Friday morning which was hoped to help control the wildfire, as well as the one at Pukaki Downs.