But if vegetation was near power lines, landowners and the public should contact the lines company see if vegetation trimming was needed. He recommended avoiding planting gum trees next to power lines and for vegetation "trim zones" to be maintained at all times to minimise the risk of fire. Anyone who had power lines on, or near, their land should contact their lines company to get a clear understanding of who was responsible for the trim zones, Mr Cowan said. However, in this case, I was unable to determine if this has likely contributed to the event that has caused this fire," Mr Cowan said in the report. In the report, Mr Cowan said trimming of the tree stand near the recloser had been carried out at some point to keep vegetation clear of the power lines.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 06, 2016 18:00 UTC