Fire crews are battling a number of separate fires in Otago and Canterbury; near Lake Ohau Village, McKenzie Road in Livingstone; and Hurunui Mouth Road.

A Fire and Emergency Spokesman said strong winds are making the firefighting difficult – the wind makes it easier for a fire to spread, and more challenging for crews to bring a fire under control.

“Don’t light any outdoor fires or carry out any activities that may cause a spark, until the winds die down.”

“Anyone who has lit an outdoor fire recently please check it is completely out so the winds don’t reignite it.”

Livingstone fire

Firefighters and helicopters are still battling a large fire burning through pine forestry on Mckenzie Road, Livingstone.

Strong winds are causing challenging firefighting conditions.

Nearby affected properties have been evacuated so the fire services asks the public to please stay away from the area.

Please also keep doors and windows shut if smoke is becoming an issue.

Update Hurunui Mouth Road

9 fire appliances are in attendance at this fire and 3 Helicopters.

Hurunui River Huts have been evacuated as a precaution.

Winds are still strong in the area.

Please stay away to allow our crews to work safely.

Lake Ohau Fire

The Waitaki Emergency Operations Centre has activated.

Lake Ohau Road is currently closed and motorists should avoid the area while emergency services are at the scene.

Controller Peter Muldrew said the Waitaki EOC would be focused on supporting people impacted by the fire.

Gary Kircher the Mayor of Waitaki said, thankfully there are no reports of anyone harmed, but the loss of homes is believed to be significant.

The Twizel Events Centre is the welfare centre for this incident and approximately 90 people evacuated from Lake Ohau Village have registered there.

People at the welfare centre have been briefed by FENZ.

The fire is now moving in South West direction away from Lake Ohau village.

Farm land may be affected and farmers are moving stock.

Five helicopters are currently responding to the fire.

A fire is also burning in a pine forestry block at Livingstone.

For residents in Livingstone the evacuation centre is the Tokarahi Golf Course. If you are told to evacuate, get out and stay out until given the all clear to return.