Roading
The highway is now fully open.
November 28, 10am – Highway partially reopens after fire.
State Highway 96 near Mataura has reopened to one lane of traffic following a nearby vegetation fire yesterday.
The road remained closed overnight for firefighters to ensure the blaze was contained.
The section of SH96 between the intersections of SH1 and Waimumu Road is now open to the single lane, with a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h, and road users are being asked to stop on request. Please take extra care along this route.
SH96 has been closed near Mataura due to an ongoing vegetation fire that remains uncontained. The closure affects the stretch between State Highway 1 and Waimumu Road. The fire broke out near Thomas' Hill, prompting authorities to take swift action for public safety.
As of the latest update at 4.20pm, the fire had not been brought under control. Authorities advised that the closure is expected to stay in place for approximately 24 hours. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.
Drivers are urged to avoid the area and follow the official detour route. Eastbound traffic is being redirected via Waimumu Road, Paterson Road, and Glendhu Road, returning to SH1. The same route applies in reverse for westbound vehicles.
Road crews remain on site managing the closure and guiding motorists. Authorities have asked drivers to comply with their directions and remain patient while emergency services continue to respond to the fire.
Fire and Emergency is urging Southlanders not to light any outdoor fires this afternoon, with five vegetation fires reported since 1pm today.
Very windy conditions are making it challenging for firefighters to bring these fires under control.
As at 3.15pm, firefighters were responding to four vegetation fires across Southland, with a fifth fire reported shortly afterwards.
Current incidents include:
- Glencoe Highway / Te Tipua – Nine crews of firefighters and a helicopter are working on a forestry fire near Te Tipua on the Glencoe Highway. NZTA reports SH96 is closed between SH1 and Waimumu Road.
- Dacre–Morton Mains – A hedge fire, with two crews still at the scene.
- Makarewa – One crew remains at the scene after four crews initially responded.
- Greenhills – One crew responded earlier.
- Otahuti – Fire reported in trees at Otahuti, with three crews responding.
Fire and Emergency is asking the public to:
- Not light any outdoor fires this afternoon.
- Check any previous fires or burns from the last few weeks to make sure they are not going to reignite.
- Not leave fires to smoulder or assume that a fire is completely out just because there are no visible flames or smoke. The whole area should be thoroughly wetted until it is completely cold, and checked again afterwards.