Another fire near Doc land

The Department of Conservation is investigating a rubbish fire lit on an Earnscleugh orchard yesterday, within 1km of Doc land, during a restricted fire season.

Two fire crews from the Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the fire, along with a rural fire crew.

Doc fire crew member Gavin Udy said that fortunately the fire was quickly contained, and was "handed over" to Doc, as it was within 1km of the historic Earnscleugh gold tailings.

A permit was needed for the fire, on two counts: because it was within 1km of Doc land; and because a restricted fire season was in force, he said.

During a restricted fire season, permits are needed for any open air fires.

"From what we've been told, the person who lit the fire believed there was a valid permit. However, we've since discovered the permit had expired."

Mr Udy declined to comment on whether the landowner would face any bills for the fire control work, saying the matter was still being investigated.

The fire was near mature trees and long grass and it was fortunate there was no breeze at the time to fan the flames, he said.

"If the wind had picked up, the fire would've taken off. There's lots of dry vegetation around."

An excavator was used to dig a hole on the property to bury the rubbish, covering it with soil to ensure there were no flare-ups.

The fire is the fourth in recent months on or next to Doc land in Central Otago.

• Principal Rural Fire Officer for Central Otago Owen Burgess said if there was no rain in the next week or so, the restricted fire season was likely to be upgraded to a complete ban.

"That's not just based on the amount of vegetation around, but depends on the fine weather, and if there's been lots of wind to dry things out," Mr Burgess said.

Obtaining a fire permit, during a restricted fire season, meant the onus was on the permit-holder if they lit a fire.

"They're not exempt from any problems that may occur," Mr Burgess said.

- lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz