'Pretty scary': Wānaka residents describe moment large blaze broke out
A large vegetation fire in Albert Town, New Zealand, forced the evacuation of 22 households last night. Fire crews successfully contained the blaze, and no homes were damaged despite the proximity of the flames.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the ongoing risks of wildfires in residential areas and the importance of emergency response coordination.
<p>Wānaka residents have described the "scary" moment a large vegetation fire broke out near homes last night, forcing 22 households to evacuate.</p> <p>Fire crews were notified of the blaze in Albert Town at 7.30 last night, with crews from Wānaka, Luggate, Lake Hawea and Cromwell responding.</p> <p>The fire broke out behind residential houses on Lagoon Ave, Hunt Pl and McLellan Pl, running through around a kilometre of trees and scrub.</p> <p><b></b><a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/newsclip/wanaka-residents-shocked-as-huge-fire-tears-through-albert-town" target="_blank"><b>Wānaka residents shocked as huge fire tears through Albert Town - Watch on TVNZ+</b></a></p> <p>In an update this morning, fire officials said the fire was out and contained, with residents returning to their homes shortly after 10pm last night. </p> <p>The cause of the blaze was still unknown.
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