Quick response for Ruby Island fire

A fire on Lake Wanaka’s Ruby Island today was quickly brought under control thanks to a quick response, Queenstown Lakes District Council principal rural fire officer Gordon Bailey said.

The fire was first noticed just before 2pm by Lakeland Adventures, which called the brigade and headed to the island by boat.

“The local volunteer brigade attended together with the council’s rural fire fighting crew,” Mr Bailey said.

A helicopter and monsoon bucket was called in and the fire was under control by 3.30pm.

“Fortunately the damage was contained to a 50 square metre area,” he said.

At this stage the council was treating the fire as suspicious and an investigation would be carried out.
The island, together with Pig and Pigeon Islands was subject to a year-round prohibited fire season.
“This is yet another example of how easily a fire can start and spread. People should exercise extreme caution when visiting these sensitive environments,’ Mr Bailey said.
The council was very keen to hear from anyone with any information about the fire.