'Explosion' before fire report

Fire crews have "some ideas" as to what sparked a 8ha shrub fire in Central Otago this week.

Fire crews and helicopters with monsoon buckets battled a vegetation fire for several hours at Cornish Point, near Cromwell on Monday.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) confirmed there were reports of an explosion before the fire. That was being investigated as a possible cause.

Otago principal rural fire officer Graeme Still was unable to draw any conclusions.

"I know it wasn't fireworks."

There was speculation on social media in response to the blaze about a possible explosion leading up to the fire.

Mr Still said it was a difficult fire to contain, amid Monday's heat and high winds.

A total fire ban for the Central Otago region was lifted yesterday.

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