West Melton fire Update 2 - 4.00pm: Blaze now contained

Emergency services say a fire in the West Melton area, west of Christchurch, this afternoon is now contained.

The fire, which broke out at the NZ Army's West Melton Rifle Range, is largely contained on the north side of the Old West Coast Road.

Fire Service and Police are continuing work to control the blaze and are monitoring wind conditions.

A total of 60 Fire Service personnel and 40 Police staff have been involved in the response this afternoon. Up to six helicopters and 18 ground-based appliances have been used.

The Old West Coast Road remains blocked and diversions are expected to remain in place for some time.

Police say there have been no reports of damage to houses or buildings. No further evacuations have been required.

ENDS

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Denniston Announcement: Coal Mine Gains Access Approval

Conservation Minister Dr Nick Smith today announced his approval under the Crown Minerals Act for an access agreement for Bathurst Resources for its Escarpment Mining Project on the Denniston Plateau, near Westport.

“This approval is for an open-cast mine on 106 hectares of the 2026 hectares that comprise the Denniston Plateau. This area is not National Park, nor Conservation Park nor does it have any particular reserve status...

“The loss of conservation values is compensated by a $22 million package by Bathurst Resources. This will fund pest and predator control over 25,000 hectares of the Heaphy River catchment in the Kahurangi National Park, 4,500 hectares on and around the Denniston Plateau, as well as for historic projects on the Plateau itself. This is More>>