The Remarkables Are On Fire!
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Fire rages over Remarkables
15 September 2006
A fire which broke out on the Remarkables near Queenstown yesterday has almost tripled in size overnight.
The fire began as a controlled burn-off on farmland but was spread by wind into Department of Conservation (DOC) land off State Highway 6 south of Queenstown at about 2pm, burning mainly dry tussock and bracken.
DOC spokesman Nick Edwards this morning said the burn area had spread from 250 hectares last night to about 700ha this morning and was being fanned by northerly winds.
"We're trying to attack it from the south. It's starting to threaten the road and powerlines," Mr Edwards said.
Up to five helicopters battled the blaze yesterday and one pilot used night vision goggles to stay in the air for over an hour after dark.
Four helicopters were back in the air this morning.
Two fire crews from nearby districts were also heading to scene but were not likely to be able to access the flames because of the difficult terrain.
Mr Edwards said firefighters could do little more than monitor the fire throughout last night as it spread south.
He said no houses were immediately threatened.
The fire was started on a farm owned by Dick Jardine and had been permitted. Investigations were expected to determine how it got out of control.
