Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 17 December 2024
A significant fire started near Bridge Hill on December 5 and grew to about 1000 hectares. Firefighters controlled the blaze after several days, but the area remains an active fireground and hotspots could still flare up.
DOC North Canterbury Operations Manager Leeann Ellis says DOC staff will need to get in, assess the damage, and make sure tracks are safe for visitors before they can be reopened.
“Given the area is still an active fireground, it’s become clear we won’t be able to assess these tracks until early in the new year. The Craigieburn Valley and Broken River ski field access roads are also closed.”
Leeann says as well as potential hotspots, hazards on the tracks could include track damage, dangerous burnt trees, and falling rocks or other debris due to unstable ground.
“We know this will be disappointing to some people who had hoped to enjoy the area through the holidays. Fortunately, plenty of other unaffected tracks in the area will be open.
“The DOC website is the best place to check which tracks are open and closed. We will keep it updated as tracks in the fire area are checked and reopened.”
Currently closed tracks and roads include:
- Craigieburn Edge Track
- Camp Saddle Track
- The Luge Track
- Mistletoe Track
- Helicopter Hill Track
- Craigieburn Sidle 73 Track
- Coal Pit Spur Track
- Hut Creek Track
- Bridge Hill Track
- Dracophyllum Flat Track
- Cragieburn Valley Ski Area access road
- Broken River Ski Area access road
Leeann says the fire highlights why it’s so important to be safe with fire in the outdoors.
“Fires on conservation land are often started accidentally. No one wants to see native ecosystems, tracks and huts, or heritage and cultural sites destroyed by a fire, so we’re urging people to stay fire safe in the outdoors this summer.”
To stay fire safe this summer, check any fire restrictions on Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s checkitsalright.nz website before lighting a fire, follow site-specific fire bans, park so hot car exhausts aren’t in long grass, and be careful with gas cookers.
Find out about local fire restrictions at the Check it’s alright website.
Read more about lighting fires on public conservation land
Contact
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Email: media@doc.govt.nz