Series of scrub fires break out in Otago and Southland

Fire crews and helicopters are battling a series of scrub fires in Otago and Southland fanned by strong winds.

In Southland, nine trucks and two helicopters were tackling a forestry block fire near Mataura that broke out about 2.10pm.

The fire has closed State Highway 96 between State Highway 1 and Waimumu. It is expected to remain closed overnight.

In Palmerston, six trucks and three helicopters were dealing with a fire in pine trees near Goodwood.

Four crews were also called to a paddock fire in Papakaio in the Waitaki district sparked by a trampoline blowing into powerlines.

Two crews were working on a smouldering tree near Whitstone.

The wind blew three branches onto two cars in Oamaru but Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said a dog in one of the cars was not hurt.

A paddock fire that broke out on Johnston Road on the outskirts of Balclutha about 1pm has been contained.

FENZ said 30 firefighters on the ground and two helicopters with monsoon buckets were now working to put it out.

FENZ Te Kei Regional Manager Phil Marsh hoped crews get most of blazes under control tonight, as long as no new fires started.

"We have got our resources spread quite wide but our teams are doing a fantastic job."

Marsh said there had been no damage to homes but some outside buildings and a shed had been.

He could not say yet how large the blazes were.

The winds were blowing west at 45km per hour with warm conditions in place, he said.

"We are hoping it meets the forecast tonight and it turns a bit more northwest and eases to 20km per hour around 8pm."

Marsh said at the Mataura it would take several days to put out hot spots.

People are advised to avoid the area and said anyone affected by smoke should close their windows and doors and stay inside if possible.

Fire and Emergency had warned people to avoid lighting fires outdoors in Otago on Thursday and Friday because of warm, windy conditions.

Paid firefighters were due to strike around the country on Friday by walking off the job from 12pm to 1pm.

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