16 April 2013

Owaka Pit fire - Christchurch City Council's role

The New Zealand Fire Service, Environment Canterbury and the Owaka Pit property owners are keeping the Christchurch City Council informed of the progress of the fire burning in the Owaka Pit.

The Council has a secondary role in the monitoring of this issue, with the other parties currently working together to manage the fire in Wigram that has been burning since early April.

At this stage the Council does not have an active role in managing the fire, but once the fire is extinguished the Council will work with Owaka Holdings to dispose of the burnt material.

The fire, which was caused due to spontaneous combustion, is being monitored around the clock by the New Zealand Fire Service and Environment Canterbury, and will be extinguished as soon as it is safe to do so. Authorities are confident that the situation is being managed as safely as possible and, while the smoke is a nuisance, it is not considered a health risk to local residents.

Council's Unit Manager Inspections and Enforcement Anne Columbus says the Council is aware that the fire is causing distress to residents and will take an active role in working with Owaka Holdings to remove the burnt material once the fire is extinguished.

"When the fire collapses in on itself, the Council will then be able to work with Owaka Holdings to clear the burnt material as soon as possible," she says.

ENDS

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