An investigation into the fire in Canterbury’s Port Hills earlier this year has identified a five square metre “specific origin area” of the blaze — but the cause remains “undetermined”.
The fire broke out on February 14 near Worsleys Rd. It burnt through about 650 hectares over three weeks.
District Commander Dave Stackhouse said today: “Investigators were unable to identify a specific ignition source.
“As the cause of the fire cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, it is classified as undetermined.
“However, if further information becomes available, the investigation will be reopened.”
While a cause couldn’t be determined, the area where the blaze began was identified.
The investigation narrowed it down to a “specific origin area” of about five square metres on private property.
“The owner of the property where the fire originated cooperated with the investigation and advised that there had been no activity or equipment used on the day the fire started.
“Our legal advice is that, due to privacy reasons, Fire and Emergency is unable to release the specific origin area of the fire because it is on private property.”
Stackhouse acknowledged the outcome may be “disappointing” for those affected by the fire.
The investigation
The February fire burned through 650ha over three weeks, damaging a home and the Christchurch Adventure Park. (Source: 1News)
The probe involved three wildfire investigators working alongside the police.
“They interviewed three witnesses who were in the vicinity of the fire when it started and were the first to report the fire to 111,” Stackhouse said.
“They assessed photos and videos of the early stages of the fire which were sent in by the public or captured on CCTV.
“In the lead up to the fire, Canterbury was experiencing a warm, dry summer, combined with dry vegetation across the District.
“These conditions assisted in the ignition and spread of the fire.”
Recommendations
Stackhouse urged people to begin preparing for this summer.
“Now is the time to prepare for the fire season. We encourage the community to develop an emergency plan, this should include a plan for pets and livestock,” he said.
“We also recommend that property owners take action to create a defensible space around their properties, remove unwanted vegetation and leaves and use low flammability plants to assist with creating a green fire break around properties.
“People can find out more information about protecting themselves from wildfires on the Fire and Emergency New Zealand website and at Checkitsalright.co.nz.”
