Mt Iron Reserve will be closed from Sunday (March 16) to Monday (March 17) between midday (12pm) and 6am due to extreme risk of wildfire, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has announced.

Residents and visitors have been asked to avoid the reserve between these times, with access limited to the easily accessible trails around the base of the reserve.

The planned closure follows fire indices reaching levels which trigger a closure, brought on by an extended spell of hot and dry weather and high temperatures forecast for the coming days.

QLDC community services general manager Ken Bailey said although it is autumn, today’s fire indices (Friday March 14) mean closing Mt Iron Reserve is the most appropriate step to ensure public safety and reduce the potential for a fire to happen, given the extreme risk of wildfire forecasted.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their cooperation by not entering Mt Iron Reserve during the part day closures in mid-February,” he said. 

“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.”

QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn confirmed the weather is forecast to be more extreme in the afternoons as temperatures rise throughout the day.

“We’d advise those who’d like to continue to access Mt Iron Reserve to do so in the mornings when the weather is cooler and risk is lower,” he said.

“We’ll closely monitor the indices and either extend the half-day closures or reopen the reserve on Tuesday at 6.00am or as soon as it is considered safe to do so. As we move into autumn the fire risk reduces but it’s important to note that future closures may be needed if fire indices show an extreme risk of wildfires.”

Otago community risk manager James Knapp said Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is providing expertise and guidance to QLDC in determining how wildfire risk on the reserve should be managed.

James said QLDC was working collaboratively with FENZ to keep people safe.

QLDC will place signage at entrance points to the reserve. Entering the reserve when signage is present is at the public’s own risk.

The remainder of the district is subject to a total fire ban implemented by FENZ. This includes the use of fireworks.  

PHOTO: Wānaka App