Large fire engulfs lakeside road in Wanaka

  • Updated
  • 03/01/2018

The fire on the shores of Lake Wanaka which caused a campground to be evacuated has been contained.

The blaze, which engulfed part of Wanaka-Mt Aspiring Rd, sent large plumes of white smoke into the sky near Rippon.

It was classified as a fifth alarm fire, the highest response level for local authorities.

Emergency services were called to the scene just after 3:00pm on Wednesday afternoon. Seven helicopters and 14 fire trucks worked to contain the fire, which burned through about 200 hectares of land.

The blaze is now moving away from the Wanaka township.

Amy McCulloch from Wanaka Kiwi Holiday Park & Motels told Newshub that they evacuated the entire park, which was at full capacity, as a precaution.

“We’re not really in danger at the moment but it is really close, it’s behind the hills behind us so if there is a change of wind we could be in a bit of trouble.”

She said they were telling campground guests that they would be updated on the state of the fire after evacuation.

“We can see the smoke behind us and the flames but it is on the hills behind us, so not too close.”

The fire sent plumes of white smoke into the sky.
The fire sent plumes of white smoke into the sky. Photo credit: Wanaka Sun

Fire crews will work overnight in case of flare ups.

Tomorrow's forecast is promising for the containment of the fire, as temperatures will be cooler and the wind is expected to drop.

Image and video by the Wanaka Sun.

Newshub.