A passing train caused a small scrub fire near the railway line in Selwyn on Friday morning. Fire crews from the Kirwee and West Melton stations were called to the blaze between Kirwee and Darfield about 7.13am. Mr Dunn said FENZ is liaising with KiwiRail to ensure the train and tracks are safe to prevent further fires breaking out. KiwiRail can take steps to reduce the fire risk along train tracks, such as cutting back vegetation near the line, having a water truck dampen the area next to the track and stepping up its inspection regime. Two scrub fires have broken out in the district this week, including one on Wednesday, which was brought under control by two helicopters equipped with monsoon buckets.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 05, 2019 20:48 UTC