Firefighters in New Zealand battling a blaze that razed much of a small alpine village said they were making “good progress” Wednesday as high winds finally eased.
The wildfire erupted in a mountain forest on the South Island in the early hours of Sunday morning and swept through the popular tourist spot of Lake Ohau, forcing residents to flee for their lives.
Officials said it was miraculous no one was hurt in the fire, which has now burned out 55 square kilometres (21 square miles) and destroyed at least 50 homes.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said firefighters were moving through the rugged terrain dousing hotspots and maintaining a perimeter around the blaze.
“Conditions have been better for crews today allowing for good progress,” it said.
“There are around 50 personnel, including 17 crews and fire observers, on the ground, as well as diggers and a bulldozer.”