Six Homes Evacuated as Crews Battle Roxburgh Scrub Fire

Six homes on Ladysmith Road east of Roxburgh in New Zealand’s Central Otago remained evacuated on Monday night as firefighters battled a scrub fire threatening residential buildings. Strong winds initially prevented aerial firefighting, but easing conditions allowed a helicopter to assist before dark. More than 220 properties had their power disconnected as a safety precaution, with supply restored to many later in the evening. Fire and Emergency said crews were protecting homes and working to contain the blaze, which remained uncontained into the night.