A spark from machinery started a grass and scrub fire that was battled by about 35 firefighters, and two helicopters with monsoon buckets, for several hours yesterday. Firefighters from Otematata, Omarama, Kurow and Waitaki Volunteer Rural Fire Force largely managed to contain the fire to within a fire break established in the paddock only a couple of weeks ago.
"Obviously, with that little bit outside of the fire break, the potential is huge for it to go further," Mr Cameron said.
"And that’s where we’re really grateful for the response.
"To be honest, there was very little damage done. In terms of impact on the property it was negligible. It really is the case of nipping it in the bud before it could turn into anything huge."
More than 20ha of the grassland that burned was within the fire break.
Otematata Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Kevin Powell said that within 15 minutes of his crew arriving yesterday about 1.45pm, he knew they would need help.
The dry conditions on a 26degC day with a moderate easterly allowed the fire to "skip" through the grass at speed.
"It just escalated over time," he said.
"It just got too much, jumped [the fire break] on the left-hand side."
Smoke reduced visibility and State Highway 83 west of Otematata was closed for about half an hour. No stock was lost and there were no outbuildings in the area.
There is a total fire ban in the area.
