The Ohau fire was a landmark event, given the record amount of fire-related property damage - up to 50 houses lost - and the area of forest land burned, exceeding 4600ha.
The Ohau fire is believed to be the largest forest fire in this country for more than 60 years.
Also significant was the fire’s date, which was very early in the traditional fire season, Dr Salinger said.
A 2400ha forestry fire at Pigeon Valley in the Nelson-Tasman area, last year, resulted in a State of Emergency being declared, and was the biggest New Zealand forest fire for many decades.
Dr Salinger was one of the authors of a 2005 joint Niwa/Forest Research report, titled "Impact of Climate Change on Long-term Fire Danger", which warned of "more severe fire weather and fire danger".
Climate change, and its fire-related damage was no longer simply a prediction -"it’s here now", he said.
University of Otago Centre for Sustainability deputy director Caroline Orchiston said the Ohau fire reflected increased fire risks, resulting from climate change.
Fire, as well as earthquakes, clearly had to be taken into account by communities in an "all hazards" safety planning approach, she said.
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Wilding pines and loaded tussock grasses around urban housing is what made this fire devastating in a westerly wind.
It's basic housekeeping when you live in an arid area to keep vegetation short and away from houses.
Just look at the images of the houses that survived. There are no trees close to them!!
Seeing Prof Salinger is claiming this fire backs up his predictions, I'll make one of my own.
Having visited Wanaka after an absence of 30 years, I noticed the massive amount of development around the rising ground. No doubt it is the desire for a view that is driving this. What is also apparent is the considerable amount of manuka surrounding these houses and limited roading that only exists at the bottom of the raise.
My prediction is that when fire strikes on these slopes there will be loss of life and the numbers will be dictated by the strength of the wind at the time.
Human stupidity is the cause of these events. Often that stupidity is driven by arrogance and the desire to be better than our neighbour.
Spot on but don't expect the greenies and DOC to accept they have it all wrong. Maybe the home owners ought to be suing DOC and the govt. It's all comrade helen's fault.
Yes I also agree with the two comments, Pro Jim Salinger has got it wrong, this fire has nothing to do with Climate Change, Doc is the problem it not getting the local farmers to get their cattle to clean up all that long grass and intern keep the vegetation short, this material provides kindling for a fire like this one.