No decision has been made whether Fire Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) will seek cost recovery following a fire at an exclusive subdivision near Arrowtown on Tuesday morning.
The fire, at the top of Slopehill Rd, part of Threepwood Farm, destroyed between 2ha and 3ha of vegetation. At its peak, it was fought on the ground by 25 volunteer firefighters and from the air by two helicopters with monsoon buckets.
It broke out at 11am but had been brought under control by about 12.30pm, having come within metres of properties in the area.
Yesterday Fenz principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said the fire had not reignited, but it would continue to be monitored ''until it rains''.
He confirmed the blaze was started by sparks from a lawn mower.
