Holidays beware — a total fire ban is now in place in holiday hot spots in Central Otago and parts of North Otago while the rest of Otago remains in a restricted season.
As of 8am yesterday, the prohibited zone includes Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Naseby, Ranfurly, Kurow, Otematata, Omarama and Middlemarch. The area involved in a total fire ban had been in a restricted fire season since early October, and any permits issued during that period were no longer valid.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) principal rural fire officer Mark Mawhinney said there had been grass fires recently that quickly spread and could have easily got out of control.
"This is a clear sign that any fires or spark-generating activities are just too dangerous in the present conditions.
"Low moisture levels paired with expected high temperatures and high winds means everyone from locals to holidaymakers need to be careful about what they are doing around Central Otago this summer."
He urged people to leave fireworks at home, cancel bonfire plans, and think about how they planned to cook when outside.
"The strong winds we regularly see in Central Otago can easily blow cookers over."
For holidaymakers in the traditional summer hot spots, Fenz recommended visitors created an escape plan for themselves, he said.
"Any new visitors should understand the area they are staying in and know where the potential exit routes are."
Mr Mawhinney also had a simple message for anyone wanting to do some DIY or other spark-generating activities.
"If it is hot and windy, keep it in the shed."
