More than 400 passengers, staff and crew were on board for the fully-booked day return trip between Dunedin and Oamaru using the coal-fired steam locomotive Ja1270. There were no problems on the way to Oamaru but, heading back to Dunedin, 21 fires started alongside
a 12km section of track.
The Otago Rural Fire Authority has the right to recover the costs of the fire from whomever was responsible. Principal rural fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi said yesterday until it had completed a full investigation, ''only assumptions can be drawn''.
The authority had started investigating but because there were a large number of fires, that could take some weeks.
She estimated firefighting costs were ''likely to exceed $100,000''.
Dunedin Railway operations manager Grant Craig said it had insurance which would cover that, if it was found liable.
The Otago Daily Times was told by passengers they had overheard crew say an ash door or ash tray had been left open at Oamaru. Mr Craig said that was one angle of its investigation, but he had also heard other factors could have contributed to the fire.
''Until a full investigation is completed, we don't know for sure,'' he said.
Dunedin Railways could also face claims from farmers and property owners along the route for damage or loss.
Maheno farmer Donald Ellis estimated he had sustained about $4500 of damage, but there could be further damage which may be only evident in the future, such as fence wiring or posts weakened by fire.
He arrived home about 2pm on Saturday and, after the train had passed, saw a fire start by the railway line at Clark's Mill, on the north side of Maheno near State Highway 1.
Only when he went to get a pump and water from his property on the south side of the Kakanui River behind Maheno did he discover his fences, baleage and two paddocks were on fire.
He lost autumn feed and grazing. Electric fencing and alkathene piping was also destroyed.
Other farmers along the railway line were in a similar position, including one who had a barley crop damaged, he said.
Mr Ellis had contacted his insurance company but found some of the damage was excluded, and was considering seeking the cost of that from Dunedin Railways.
Dr Rotarangi said the fires showed even the best laid plans could go awry, but precautions could minimise and mitigate the effects.
''In cases such as the steam train excursion we are able to direct the operators to take precautions, and for us to impose certain restrictions on their operations.''
The authority made sure the operators were aware of the elevated fire danger across Otago and requested spark arresters were used, the train be powered by diesel in certain areas and a water tanker follow throughout the journey.
The train operators also had the duty of care to ensure there was no risk of fire escaping.
''Only the train operators can ensure the train is fit to travel,''
she said.
Although no fires would have been a better outcome to the excursion, Dr Rotarangi was happy with the quick response to the multiple fires, which were all brought under control quickly.
''Special mention must go to the New Zealand Fire Service Southern Communications team in Christchurch who directed us through the multiple incidents and ensured firefighters worked cohesively.
''They showed real leadership,'' she said.
