Hundreds of homes are without power and evacuations are under way as fire crews battle a scrub fire in the central Otago town of Roxburgh.
Six firefighting teams are responding to the blaze after reports first surfaced of a fire in some trees about 2.45pm on Monday.
Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said crews are working to contain the blaze from the ground in a bid to protect residential buildings.
Police have assisted FENZ to evacuate homes on Ladysmith Road, east of the township.
Due to high winds, crews are unable to combat the fire from the air.
Power has been disconnected for more than 220 homes in Roxburgh as a safety precaution, according to Aurora Energy's website.
Central Otago is under an orange level wind warning, expected to last until 9pm Monday.
Source: RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
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