Fire still ablaze

Forty firefighters and nine helicopters with monsoon buckets are still working hard this morning to contain a fire which has already burnt 200 hectares of native bush, scrub and pine plantation near Glenhope, southwest of Nelson.

The fire started about four kilometres up Dry Weather Rd, near Glenhope at 4.15pm yesterday. Strong winds aided the initial spread, generating a large smoke cloud which spread across the Waimea plains and could be seen from many parts of the Nelson region.

There are reports one house has been damaged. Another three buildings on one property were threatened, with the two owners being evacuated.

Nine helicopters started working just after sunrise to put out the fire this morning, along with 40 firefighters on foot. Heavy earthmoving equipment was also being used.

A 10th helicopter was on its way from the North Island to help.

"Making use of the favourable weather conditions of the early morning before forecast winds pick up is the key objective," said Waimea Rural Fire Authority media liaison officer Tim King.

- The Marlborough Express