A rural firefighter has died while on his way to help tackle a fire in central Otago.
The man, who was 64, was the driver of a rural fire brigade tanker.
He became unwell as he was driving from Alexandra towards Roxburgh at about 7pm on Sunday.
The police in Alexandra say he was able to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop and was given first aid by members of his crew and other emergency services staff, but died despite their efforts.
Sergeant Dave Greaves says family members take some comfort in knowing he was doing something for the community at the time of his death.
