Rural Fire teams still fighting fire

The DCC's and Wenita's Rural Fire teams are fighting an extensive forest fire over 400 hectares of timber and cut-over in Wenita's Mount Allan Forest, 20 kilometres north west of Dunedin.
At least a dozen helicopters are being used to contain the fire which is spreading. Access for ground crews is compromised by the terrain and fire safety conditions.
Some roads into the area are closed and some city walking tracks have also been closed as a precaution.
Heavy machinery is preparing fire breaks and the use of fire retardant will be employed when conditions allow fixed wing aircraft to operate.