Wanaka’s Mount Iron Reserve is being periodically closed today, following a lengthy period of hot, dry weather causing tinder dry vegetation conditions and extreme fire risks.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) closed tracks to the top of Mount Iron between noon and 6pm today and will do so again tomorrow and on Monday.
It is hoped the reserve can be fully reopened from 6am Tuesday or as soon as it is safe to do so, council staff said in a statement on Friday night.
The council has been advising residents and visitors to avoid the reserve between these times.
QLDC community services general manager Ken Bailey said closing the reserve was is the most appropriate step to ensure public safety and reduce the potential for a fire to happen.
“We know that a wildfire in one of our reserves could have a devastating effect on our people, environment and economy. Closing access to the area while the danger is at such elevated levels is the safest option,” Mr Bailey said.
QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn confirmed the weather forecast was for more extreme in the afternoons. Temperatures rise throughout the day, causing humidity to drop, resulting in hotter drier conditions.
“We’d advise those who’d like to continue to access Mount Iron Reserve to do so in the mornings when the weather is cooler and risk is lower,” Mr Winterburn said.
“We’ll closely monitor the indices and either extend the half day closures or reopen the reserve on Tuesday at 6am or as soon as it is considered safe to do so,” he said.
Otago community risk manager James Knapp said Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) was guiding the council on managing wildfire risks.
There are signs at reserve entrance points.
During the closure, access is limited to the easily accessible trails around the base of the reserve only.
Residents and visitors can sign up for reserve closure alerts on www.qldc.govt.nz/text-alerts.
The entire district is subject to a total fire ban implemented by Fenz.
This includes the use of fireworks. To check the latest fire season status go to checkitsalright.nz
If you see smoke or fire please call 111 immediately.
— APL
