Tiwai Point scrub fire explodes to cover 250 hectares

A fire in Southland has doubled in size since it broke out overnight, with 40 firefighters and five helicopters working to contain the blaze on the Awarua Peninsula.

Fire and Emergency said it was alerted to the large scrub fire at Tiwai Point at around midnight and it has now spread to 250 hectares with an 8km perimeter.

Fire crews have been working through the night, and helicopters began operations at first light to help contain the blaze.

The Tiwai smelter was not currently threatened, and there were no houses nearby under threat, Fire and Emergency said.

Main image (Mike Bailey): The fire on the Awarua Peninsula.