Genesis Energy's Tekapo B Power Station. Photo: GENESIS ENERGY
Firefighters have now contained a vegetation fire at Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie District, fanned by strong winds overnight.
Crews were called to the blaze on private land near the Tekapo power station on Tekapo Powerhouse Road, close to the village, early this morning.
The fire burnt through 29-hectares of forestry blocks, farmland and wilding pines.
Fire and Emergency mid-south Canterbury district manager Rob Hands said it was fanned by strong winds, but it would have been far worse if it wasn't for steady rain.
Hands said driving by old fires to check they were out was not thorough enough.
People should put water on them, scrape out ashes and ensure there was no remaining heat, he said.
Fire and Emergency said steady rain and calm conditions earlier today gave firefighters a chance to create a control line.
The fire has burnt through forestry blocks, farmland and wilding pines, and crews had to work to protect the power station.
Fire and Emergency said firefighters would patrol the area over the next few days to ensure there were not any flare-ups with strong winds forecast.
There's an orange strong wind warning force for the Canterbury high country, with severe gales gusting from 130 to 140km/ph in exposed places.
The winds coincide with a forecast for parts of Westland and Buller to experience heavy rain through until tomorrow morning. As much as 500mm may fall in just over 24 hours.
Strong northerly winds will affect eastern regions of the South Island and lower North Island (Wellingtontian's will aready be aware) ahead of a front which moves north tomorrow https://t.co/qHyE5zhh6X
— MetService (@MetService) November 1, 2022
Mt Cook aero has already seen gusts up to 141km/h! pic.twitter.com/FurRbWOJqC
