Fire timely reminder

A fire located off the Moke Lake Road, west of Queenstown last night was a sobering reminder that conditions were tinder-dry, Queenstown Lakes District principal rural fire officer Gordon Bailey said.

The fire was thought to have been sparked by a burn off in an incinerator on private property.

“Sparks appear to have set surrounding dry grass on fire and in no time an area the size of 2000 square metres was alight with nearby native vegetation threatened,” Mr Bailey said.

Two crews attended the fire on the ground with a helicopter and monsoon bucket brought in to douse the flames.

“In this case some quick work avoided a far worse outcome but we estimate the cost at around the $5000 mark,” Mr Bailey said.

The fire would be the subject of further investigation.

“It is possible that the council will seek compensation in this case,” Mr Bailey said.

The council and the Department of Conservation introduced a total fire ban last month.

“The district is dry and likely to become more so over the coming few weeks. This fire is a timely reminder that extreme caution needs to be exercised,” Mr Bailey said.