A large grass fire in Ponatahi yesterday afternoon required significant aid from emergency services.
Crews were called in from Carterton, Greytown, Martinborough, Masterton and Wainuioru to handle the blaze, which was reported at around 4pm.
A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand [Fenz] said that it covered an area of 100m by 80m, which is almost two acres.
They also confirmed that a helicopter flew in shortly after crews responded to help with dropping water on the affected area.
As of print deadline yesterday, the spokesperson said the area was surrounded, and the crew were helping with “mopping up” the area.
They could not provide any detail on how the fire started or who alerted emergency services.
Anyone lighting fires this season is encouraged by Fenz to check weather conditions due to prolonged dry periods and water shortages.
People have been advised to avoid using power tools and equipment that generate heat or sparks during this extra dry weather.
