Local farmers are struggling to re-home livestock with fires and dry conditions engulfing several hectares of land, Rangitikei's mayor says.
Fire crews were confronted with smoke and flames as they arrived to fight the fire yesterday. Photo: Rangitikei Rural Fire / FENZ
A fire spanning around 80 hectares near Lake Alice was reported on Saturday, and contained today, but by Sunday evening fire-fighters wre still trying to put it out.
Two helicopters and nine fire trucks were at the scene today dampening hot spots and monitoring for any flare ups.
Fire and emergency says crews were able to contain the blaze faster thanks to help from the public.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Bradley Shanks says when the fire started, land owners and surrounding neighbours quickly arrived to help.
"They brought out tractors with disks, and they were able to create a fire break, down to the earth, with our guidance."
Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson says a prolonged dry season has made it difficult to find grassy land to re-home livestock. He says it will be a few months before the district is able to re-grow grass in affected parts.
"The store stock market has slumped dramatically because not only are we dry but the Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay are dry and the schedule has been slashed so the ability to kill and space available is very limited."
The fire near Lake Alice burned grassland, scrub and forestry, and smoke has been seen as far away as the Manawatū Gorge, Woodville and central Hawke's Bay.
