Campfire caused massive Glenorchy fire at Rat Point, authorities find

The devastating scrub fire at Rat Point between Queenstown and Glenorchy was likely caused by a camp fire, authorities have found. Photo/ James Allan

The devastating scrub fire near Queenstown which cut power to hundreds of homes and claimed 150ha of native scrub was likely caused by a campfire, authorities have found.

The Otago Regional Fire Authority (ORFA), aided by the police, have begun the investigation into the cause of yesterday's blaze at Rat Point.

Power and road access to Glenorchy was cut off while the fire was brought under control.

After an initial investigation on scene this morning fire staff are confident that it was started by a campfire on the beach below Rat Point.

ORFA asked anyone with information about the fire to call them on 0800 673 473, or contact the police.

Of particular interest to investigators was information or sightings of a white van that was seen at Rat Point on the afternoon of Tuesday January 10.

Those responsible may have already left the scene on Tuesday evening, thinking that their campfire was out, before wind blew hot embers into the surrounding dry vegetation and started the scrub fire.

0945 fire update - The fire at Rat Point has been largely contained and power has been restored to Glenorchy https://t.co/KdUZhmcs2Z pic.twitter.com/D8b7vtI6p4

— QLDC (@QueenstownLakes) January 11, 2017

Deputy Rural Fire Officer Jamie Cowan is leading the investigation and said this was a good time for people to remember the importance of fire safety and the rules around open fires.

"Otago is currently in a restricted fire season, which means any outdoor fire in the region needs a permit from ORFA.

"This is incredibly important from a safety perspective, if anyone had been camped in the Rat Point area when the fire spread the consequences could have been much worse.

"Fires like this move at tremendous speed once they catch and are incredibly dangerous."

He asked anyone with potentially useful information to get in touch while it was still fresh in their minds.

This morning Queenstown Lakes District Council said ground patrols monitored the Rat Pt fire overnight and helicopters were on standby.

Rain helped and there have been no flare-ups since last night.

Power company crews worked overnight and restored power to Glenorchy about midnight, much earlier than anticipated.

Otago Rural Fire Authority incident controller Phil Marsh said that although the fire was controlled, fire crews had a lot of work to do before it would be considered out.

It was expected to take three to five days to fully extinguish the fire.

"They will be working hard over the next few days to make sure it's safe.

"The crews involved yesterday did an outstanding job and it's a credit to their skill and professionalism that we've had over 50 people working alongside eight helicopters in a very demanding environment with no incidents or injuries."