Council to prosecute over Ruby Island fire

The Queenstown Lakes District Council plans to take a prosecution for a fire on Wanaka’s Ruby Island on Friday.

“The fire investigation team is pleased to have a result so quickly,” principal rural fire officer Gordon Bailey said.

An individual had come forward to assist the council with its investigations.

“The council will now take a prosecution under the Forest and Rural Fires Act,” Mr Bailey said. The investigation had concluded that the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette.

“It doesn’t take much for a fire to start and spread, especially in hot, dry conditions. People really need to take care and look after these sensitive environments,” Mr Bailey said.

“It was just fortunate that the fire was brought under control so quickly, thanks to the fast response by the local fire fighting crew and our rural fire fighting crew,” he said.

The council would also be seeking the recovery of costs.