Castle Hill residents are being warned to prepare for evacuations amid “extreme fire behaviour” from a large blaze spreading across the Southern Alps today.
Fanned by high winds, the scrub fire near Bridge Hill is currently out of control.
State Highway 73 near Craigieburn is closed and will be for some time, Fire and Emergency NZ said.
“People should avoid the area and look to make alternative travel arrangements if they were planning to use this road today.”
Emergency services were called at 4.24am.
Police are also on the scene.
“Diversions are in place on State Highway 73 at Castle Hill Village, Arthurs Pass, and Springfield near Annavale Rd,” they said in a statement.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
The fire covers 140ha and is not under control.
“Nine helicopters, three fixed-wing aircraft and 12 trucks, tankers and support vehicles continue to work to contain the fire, which is being fanned by strong winds,” Fire and Emergency NZ said.
Incident commander Brian Keown says residents of Castle Hill Village have been warned to prepare to evacuate as a precaution.
“There is no risk currently to the village but it is recommended residents be prepared to evacuate if needed.”
Keown says students from three schools were evacuated from camps in the area as a precaution. Students from two of the schools had been staying at the Environmental Education Centre, while the others were at Forest Lodge.
Rudolf Steiner School principal Paul Kennedy told the Herald a group of its students were evacuated from the Environmental Education Centre because of the fire.
“They were transported back to school. We are very thankful that all our students, staff and helpers are safely back home,” he said.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said wind gusts were up to about 45km/h, alongside 26C heat.
“Fairly strong, gusty winds that we’re seeing out there, and obviously we’ve got quite a bit of heat as well,” Makgabutlane said.
“Strong winds are making this fire difficult to get under control,” Fire and Emergency NZ said.
“Smoke is not affecting SH73 at this stage but we are concerned about people looking at the fire as they drive past. Please keep your eyes on the road. We don’t need a crash on top of what we are dealing with.”
Meanwhile, firefighters are working to contain two other blazes in the South Island as high temperatures and wind make for prime fire conditions.
Crews from several Central Otago brigades are responding to a vegetation fire south of Roxburgh on Scotland St, SH8.
Two helicopters and several other crews are also responding to a second vegetation fire on Wright Rd near Roxburgh.
“If you’re in the area please stay well away to allow our crews room to work,” Fire and Emergency said in a statement.
The fire is estimated to be covering about 1.5ha and is moving slowly uphill.
Residents in the area are urged to close doors and windows and turn off air conditioning to minimise smoke exposure.
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