Fire and Emergency New Zealand believes a small rubbish fire near Cromwell yesterday was deliberately lit.
Crews responded to the blaze near a series of trees on Kawarau Gorge Rd about 12.50pm.
The fire was put out about 15 minutes later.
The blaze was under pine trees across the road and had been deemed suspicious, a Fenz spokesman said.
Police were notified about 1pm. A spokeswoman said no offenders had been located.
