Warning for motorists as scrub fire closes SH65 near Murchison

Fire forced the closure of the main inland road from Nelson to Christchurch for several hours today, though one lane has now been reopened.

The scrub fire near Murchison has grown to 15 hectares in size and four helicopters have joined the effort to put it out.

The scrub fire is on the Shenandoah Highway and has led to the partial closure of the main highway between Nelson and Christchurch.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews were called to the vegetation fire on State Highway 65 at Neilson Flat at 11.10am today.

Fire and Emergency said the terrain was hilly and hard to access on foot.

A fourth helicopter has joined the firefighting effort, alongside a ground crew from Springs Junction, and a rural tanker from Lake Rotoiti.

The main inland route from Nelson to Christchurch, between Springs Junction and Murchison, was closed for several hours. A detour was put in place. Although one lane is now available, motorists were being warned to expect delays.

UPDATE 4:30PM
SH65 is now OPEN down to one lane following a fire.
Please follow instructions from emergency services on-site and expect DELAYS in the area. ^CS https://t.co/AzZKqkwUCM

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Top of the South (@WakaKotahiTotS) January 23, 2023