Pouri Hut in Whanganui National Park has burned to the ground. Photo / DoC
Pouri Hut in Whanganui National Park has burned to the ground. Photo / DoC
A well-known 12-bunk hut in Whanganui National Park has been razed by a mysterious fire, leaving rangers “gutted” and prompting a call for trampers to stay fire safe.
Pouri Hut was destroyed by a fire on December 11. The hut is located at a critical point on the Matemateāonga Track,and the 12-bunk structure was destroyed completely in the blaze.
No one was inside the hut at the time of the fire and it did not spread to the surrounding forest.
“We’ll be working with partners in the new year to see how we can replace this,” Department of Conservation (DoC) principal ranger heritage and visitors Joshua Kilmister said.
“We’re a bit gutted to be honest, especially after the work Backcountry Trust has put in to support us with this hut.”
The origins of the fire were unable to be determined by Fire and Emergency New Zealand investigators.
Hut visitors who had left in the morning on December 11 saw no signs of the fire and the wood burner, gas bottle and cooker were ruled out as possible causes.
Fire and Emergency NZ investigators could not work out how Pouri Hut burned to the ground. Photo / DoC
“We don’t know exactly what caused this fire, but with the dry conditions we’re experiencing, it’s a reminder to all of us to be careful storing fuel, disposing of ashes and using fire,” Kilmister said.
“This is also a perfect time to check any charging equipment, batteries and power banks you travel with to ensure they are in good, safe condition.”
Damaged or incorrectly used batteries might also pose fire risks, he said.
Backcountry Trust manager Rob Brown said he was disappointed by the blaze.
“The Backcountry Trust, along with other groups like the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network, have put a lot of time and effort into the Matemateāonga Track in the last few years,” Brown said.
“I really feel for the DoC team as well.”
Pouri Hut was built in the 1970s and Kilmister said it was critical for biodiversity work in Whanganui National Park.
“Hopefully we’ll find a way forward in the new year, we’re always ready to play our part for ensuring these places are maintained for future generations,” Brown said.
