Shane JonesForestry Minister Shane Jones said today that industry sources estimate the cost to the sector of lost production and earnings is $2 million a day. The fire and equipment ban is preventing forestry crews from working in forests outside the fire perimeter, he said. This affects around 1500 people across the region,” Jones said. This was not a direct result of the fire but because of the fire and equipment ban across the whole region. The forestry industry was working with MCDEM to replace section 91 prohibition with a set of conditions under which limited forestry, agriculture and rural activities could recommence in the next 48 hours, Jones said.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2019 23:48 UTC