Boundary properties at risk

The fire risk in Wanaka remains extremely high and the fast-moving grass fire on Ballantyne Rd on Wednesday was a good reminder to householders in danger near the urban-rural boundary to make evacuation plans, Wanaka's fire chief Steve Trevathan said.

The fire on Ballantyne Rd was contained by firefighters from the district's three brigades just metres from homes on Riverbank Rd.

Mr Trevathan said the fire was frightening for the residents and those in the Ballantyne Rd industrial area, where it began.

Quite a few had prepared for an evacuation and were ready to go when told by brigade members it was time to leave, he said.

"It is a timely reminder everyone should have evacuation plans set up."

Mr Trevathan said residents in other areas were increasingly concerned about the dry spell and several had been in contact to discuss what to do if there was a blaze on Little Mt Iron or in the Hidden Hills subdivision.

Road access to Little Mt Iron is narrow and steep and fire appliances cannot get to homes, but Hidden Hills has wider roads and some turning places.

"I don't know how . . . the council got away with it," Mr Trevathan said of the Mt Iron vehicle access plan.

Aubrey Rd provides the only point of access and exit for both subdivisions, putting householders at risk if a fire started at the bottom of the hill and swept upwards, Mr Trevathan said.

Because of the difficult access, the brigade could probably do very little to save properties in those areas. Residents would have to concentrate on saving themselves, he said.

"You need good access to get out quickly. If you see smoke on the hill, it's a matter of moving out straight away, rather than hanging around."

Mr Trevathan said the community response to Wednesday's fire was greatly appreciated, especially the contribution of water tanks and concrete trucks from local businesses.

The fire attracted a lot of public attention, causing some traffic issues, but on the whole most people had been pretty good, he said.