Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Firefighters supported by four helicopters have contained and largely suppressed a large grass fire in the Springvale area near Clyde.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Incident Controller Nic McQuillan says residents of most of the properties evacuated this afternoon have been allowed to return home. A small number of properties to the west of McArthur Road are not yet able to go home.
Nic McQuillan said 21 fire trucks and support vehicles had responded and crews had worked hard to save homes from the fast-moving fire. One shed has been destroyed and flames have scorched the exterior of one house. About 20 hectares has been burned on both sides of Springvale Road, which remains closed.
As of 8pm the helicopters had been stood down and some of the fire crews were being released. Multiple crews will be working until dark with one crew staying on the fireground overnight, patrolling in case of flare-ups.
Additional crews will return tomorrow to extinguish some deep-seated areas of fire, Nic McQuillan says.
A specialist tree assessor is at work identifying and felling several dangerous trees which have been damaged by the fire. That work will ensure the safety of firefighters and residents.
This will be the last update for this evening.
