Firefighters have secured about 15% of the perimeter of a large vegetation fire on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu near Queenstown but changeable winds are creating additional challenges for crews working on steep slopes.
The blaze, which has grown to 1200ha overnight, broke out near Walter Peak Station yesterday afternoon, cloaking the 1800m summit in smoke that has drifted across the lake towards Queenstown.
The fire did not pose any risk to Queenstown or other communities along Lake Wakatipu.
Fire and Emergency NZ district commander Blair Kiely said crews were making progress, but there was a significant amount of work still to be done.
"The fire is burning both up and down hill in complex terrain, creating additional challenges for our firefighters," he said.
Five helicopters, four with monsoon buckets, reinforced crews this morning from around 7am this morning.
Department of Conservation crews were working alongside Fire and Emergency volunteer firefighters, and all ground crews assigned to the fire were trained and experienced in operating in rugged conditions, Kiely said.
Crews were focused on extending the contained area and protecting livestock in the vicinity, while maintaining the ability to protect the historic Walter Peak homestead and associated buildings if wind changes drive the fire nearer.
Kiely said forecast rain could assist suppression efforts but might also create additional operational challenges.
"Drifting smoke will continue to be seen and smelled across a wide area, with exact locations changing as the wind shifts."
Health NZ advised people sensitive to smoke – including those with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people, young children and older adults – might experience coughing, shortness of breath, or irritation of the eyes, nose and throat.
They should keep windows and doors closed, set air conditioning systems to recirculate or off, and air out their homes once conditions improved.
Boat operators were urged to stay at least 500m offshore to keep clear of where helicopters were operating.
"This exclusion zone will be monitored by the Harbourmaster and Coastguard throughout the day to ensure public and firefighter safety."
Kiely thanked the boating community for continuing to stay away from the incident area so aircraft could operate safely.
Walter Peak was regularly visited by the TSS Earnslaw steamship, taking passengers to the Walter Peak High Country Farm at the base of the mountain.
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