The Walter Peak fire is out. Firefighters demobilised on Thursday evening after the blaze was declared fully contained, ending a week-long battle that burned through an estimated 1,350 hectares across Walter Peak Station, Cecil Peak Station and adjoining Conservation Estate.
The final push came after crews made significant progress in the fire's latter stages, with around 80 per cent of the perimeter contained and the fire edge behind the homestead fully controlled before demobilisation. Seventeen firefighters and ten support personnel worked across the McKinlay's Catchment, supported by two helicopters — one moving crews and equipment, the other available for targeted water drops in areas too dangerous to access on the ground. Favourable weather conditions allowed crews to concentrate on extinguishing remaining hotspots and strengthening containment lines.
Fire and Emergency District Commander Blair Kiely said an assessment of conditions on the ground Thursday afternoon, combined with expected weather forecasts, gave enough confidence to hand the fireground back to landowners. The exclusion zone for vessels near the Walter Peak shoreline has also been lifted.
No homes, buildings or livestock were lost, though the fire affected areas of tussock, scrub and tree cover, and local biodiversity is expected to have been impacted. Fire and Emergency says it recognises the significance of those environmental values and will continue working with the Department of Conservation, local iwi and landowners as assessments are carried out.
Some areas may continue to smoulder over the coming days. People in the area may notice smoke, and any flare-ups will be monitored. Fire and Emergency says it will respond if there are any signs fire could spread outside the perimeter. An aerial inspection is scheduled for Monday.
A formal investigation into the fire's cause and origin will be carried out by a senior specialist fire investigator, following Fire and Emergency New Zealand's standard procedures. Kiely confirmed that investigation will examine any connection with the controlled burn undertaken on the Walter Peak High Country Farm on September 30. Walter Peak High Country Farm and Walter Peak Station are separate properties with different owners and management.
Kiely credited the result to the work of firefighters, helicopter crews, incident management personnel, landowners, Department of Conservation staff, iwi representatives and partner agencies who worked together in challenging conditions throughout the response. "We are also very appreciative of the community's support for the firefighting efforts in such a highly visible location," he said.
He also acknowledged the broader collaboration that brought the fire under control. "I want to acknowledge the importance of working together with the Department of Conservation, landowners and Iwi to bring the fire under control," he said.
The total cost of fighting the fire is still being compiled.