Firefighters have secured about 20% of the perimeter of a large vegetation fire as it burned through 1400ha on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown.
The blaze broke out near Walter Peak Station yesterday afternoon, cloaking the 1800m summit in smoke that has drifted across the lake towards Queenstown.
In an update just before 7pm this evening, Fire and Emergency NZ district commander Blair Kiely said the fire was “estimated to have burnt 1400 hectares of mainly tussock and scrub, with areas of trees”.
“It is not yet controlled or contained, with the situation still dynamic.”
Kiely said the blaze had spread from Walker Peak Station along the McKinlays Creek area and had also affected parts of adjoining conservation estate and Cecil Peak Station.
“No homes or buildings have been damaged, and there are no structures or livestock assessed as being at immediate risk.”
Firefighting operations would be suspended overnight for safety, with helicopters standing down at last light.
A ground crew would remain at Walter Peak “to monitor the fire and maintain readiness, enabling crews to resume operations at first light tomorrow”.
There would be five aircraft supporting 23 firefighters during tomorrow’s firefighting efforts.
A specialist fire investigation would be carried out in accordance with Fire and Emergency procedures, but the immediate focus remained containing the fire, he said.
The fire did not pose any risk to Queenstown or other communities along Lake Wakatipu.
Steep terrain, shifting winds
Kiely earlier today said crews were making progress, but there was a significant amount of work still to be done.
“The fire is burning both up and down hill in complex terrain, creating additional challenges for our firefighters,” he said.
Five helicopters, four with monsoon buckets, reinforced crews from around 7am this morning.
Department of Conservation crews were working alongside 20 Fire and Emergency volunteer firefighters, and all ground crews assigned to the fire were trained and experienced in operating in rugged conditions, Kiely said.
Crews were focused on extending the contained area and protecting livestock in the vicinity, while maintaining the ability to protect the historic Walter Peak homestead and associated buildings if wind changes drive the fire nearer.
Kiely said forecast rain could assist suppression efforts but might also create additional operational challenges.
“Drifting smoke will continue to be seen and smelled across a wide area, with exact locations changing as the wind shifts.”
Kiely said the steep terrain and wind conditions – combined with the “tussocky” fuel on the ground – had “actually made operations quite challenging”.
“Dry fuel burns really fast and hot, and it’s really difficult to access – even, at times, with the helicopters.”
He added that the fire was around 20% contained.
“We’re finding the fire’s actually burning towards natural firebreaks – you know, rocky areas, snow-covered areas – so we’re waiting until the end of operations today and we’ll reassess for operations tomorrow.”
Kiely said crews would be working tomorrow to put out hotspots in the McKinlays Creek area and continuing aerial operations.
He reassured people living in Queenstown and the wider area that they were “not at risk at all”.
“We’re working hard to bring this to a successful resolution.”
Residents urged to keep windows and doors closed
Health NZ advised people sensitive to smoke – including those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people, young children and older adults – might experience coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
They should keep windows and doors closed, set air conditioning systems to recirculate or off, and air out their homes once conditions improved.
Boat operators were urged to stay at least 500m offshore to keep clear of where helicopters were operating.
“This exclusion zone will be monitored by the Harbourmaster and Coastguard throughout the day to ensure public and firefighter safety.”
Kiely thanked the boating community for continuing to stay away from the incident area so aircraft could operate safely.
Walter Peak was regularly visited by the TSS Earnslaw steamship, taking passengers to the Walter Peak High Country Farm at the base of the mountain.
The blaze broke out at Walter Peak Station, spreading to 390ha and sending smoke billowing across the area. (Source: 1News)