signal_hill_fire_27_dec_2016_purnellcopy.jpg A huge smoke cloud rises from the fire at Signal Hill yesterday, taken from Fortune St, Dalmore. Photo: Melissa PurnellThe cost of fighting the blaze that tore through more than 25ha of forestry and scrub on Signal Hill has come to more than $100,000, but the Otago Rural Fire Authority is yet to decide if it will attempt to recoup the outlay. skt_7246.jpg A Helicopters Otago chopper collects water from Otago Harbour to fight the fire. Photo: Peter McIntoshThe fire investigation into the blaze continues, but the authority has already stated it was not caused naturally. Fire authority operations manager Graeme Still said this week he expected the investigation report to be at least two weeks away.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 01, 2017 21:53 UTC