Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will close Mount Iron Reserve between 12pm(noon)-6am for at least three days due to extreme fire risk.

The reserve will be closed for the specified hours from Thursday to Saturday (January 11-13) and residents and visitors are being asked to stay away outside of the 6am-12pm period.

The closure follows fire indices reaching levels which trigger a closure, brought on by an extended spell of hot and dry weather plus more high temperatures forecasted.

“Closing access to the area while the danger is at such elevated levels is the safest option,” QLDC acting general manager community services Simon Battrick said.

“It means we can reduce the potential for a fire to happen, and ensure people are out of harm’s way in the event a fire does start.”

QLDC will place signage at entrance points to the reserve.

“We’ll closely monitor the indices and either extend the closure or reopen the reserve on Sunday at 6am if it is considered safe to do so,” Simon said.

Wānaka Police told the Wānaka App they expect locals to stay informed and adhere to any closures.

“We’re not going to be happy if we get reports, when it’s closed, of people up there,” Constable Mike Coutts said. 

“If they get themselves into any trouble up there it can put police and emergency services at undue risk as well. It becomes a safety issue as well as inconsiderate behaviour.”

Earlier this summer QLDC introduced new reserve protocols which allow for the closure of the reserve when fire risk reaches an extreme level.

Mt Iron is one of three reserves in the district which is subject to potential closure under the new protocols.

The others are Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill reserves (both in Queenstown).

Ken explained more about the new protocols earlier this summer.

“Our climate is changing which means we need to change and adapt,” he said. 

“Globally we are experiencing warmer temperatures, more droughts, windier conditions, all potentially increasing the length and severity of fire season.”

The reserve closure protocols are one of a range of steps QLDC is undertaking to help manage fire risk in the reserve, he said.

Members of the community can sign up for QLDC community text alerts to ensure they’re up to date with closures.

PHOTO: Supplied