Southland scrub fire still burning as wind hampers firefighting efforts

Fire and Emergency says a scrub fire in Southland is still actively burning, with the weather hampering firefighting efforts.

Nearly 80 hectares of land has been affected by the blaze in the Centre Hill area.

A FENZ spokesperson said high winds were preventing aircraft from operating and ground crews had not been deployed due to the terrain of the high country grazing and conversation land where the fire was located.

They said investigators would be looking into the cause of the blaze and firefighting would resume when conditions allowed.

FENZ was first alerted to the fire on Sunday afternoon. Six helicopters worked with monsoon buckets to protect two communications towers in the area.

Later on Sunday night, FENZ said helicopter pilots had done an excellent job to protect the telecommunications infrastructure and there was no immediate risk to people or homes in the area.

Crews were stood down overnight.

MetService has a strong wind warning in place for Southland on Monday, with severe gales expected to reach up to 120 km/h in exposed places.

However, a Heavy Rain Watch in place could see conditions ease in the area when it comes into effect early Monday afternoon.