Controlled burnoff spreads as crews battle fire in Fordell, Whanganui

Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui fire crews are battling a vegetation fire near Fordell on Tuesday afternoon.

Fire and Emergency NZ was alerted to the fire on Denlair Rd just before 1.30pm.

Shift manager Murray Dunbar said the fire was a controlled burnoff that spread and lost control.

Photo / Bevan Conley

The fire is about 300m x 700m.

Crews from Whanganui and Whanganui Rural are currently fighting the blaze.

Four appliances and a tanker are working on the ground, with a helicopter called in for additional support.

Photo / Bevan Conley