Firefighters continue to fight major Marlborough blaze

A helicopter helping fight a large bush fire in Marlborough. Photo / Peter Burger

Firefighters are continuing to fight a major Marlborough blaze this morning.

Five properties in the Waikakaho Valley area were evacuated yesterday and people in a further 20 homes left on their own accord, after a fire broke out in dry vegetation in a private forestry area on Wednesday.

This morning, firefighters were worried about the fire burning "downwards, heading to nearby properties", One News reported.

Hot weather and strong winds were exacerbating the situation.

The fire was currently raging across 368 hectares, One News added.

The blaze started near a skid site on commercial forest which YSI Forests owned.

Emergency contacts:

• Top of the South Rural Support Trust for assistance on 0800 787 254 or Ian Blair on 578 9923.

• Marlborough Council assistance contact Lyn Reeves on 520 7400.

• SPCA for assistance with the shelter and transport of animals, on 027 201 9016 or 027 886 1538.