Queenstown police want to speak to a couple who fled the scene of a fire that razed an historic homestead at the Skippers camping area this morning. Mount Aurum Homestead and a small outbuilding were burnt to the ground in the blaze, which started about 2am. The couple, who were driving a maroon-coloured vehicle, were apparently using the homestead to stay in. Campers worked in relay with three hand-pump fire extinguishers to contain the fire to the homestead, outbuilding and surrounding lawn. According to Doc, the homestead was one of only two remaining timber buildings in the Skippers area dating to the gold rush era.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 31, 2017 20:15 UTC