A silver lining of the wild weather last week is the lifting of restricted fire seasons.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) Otago district manager Phil Marsh said the fire restriction for Central Otago and Upper Waitaki zones was lifted yesterday morning.
The restricted season was put in place on September 14, a month earlier than recent years, when key indicators for a restricted fire season had already been met.
However, last week’s rain and forecast cold weather meant the zones would revert to an open season for the time being.
Fenz would constantly review data to ensure the correct season was in place for the conditions, Mr Marsh said.
People should continue to exercise caution with any fire activities, particularly controlled burns or burn piles.
"If you’ve already completed a burn, we urge you to continue to check it until it is fully out and cold, as the chance of reignition of deep embers by strong winds is high."
Meanwhile, the continued cooler weather is aiding firefighters to extinguish the vegetation fire at Pukaki Downs in the McKenzie district.
Fenz crews responded to it about 8pm last Wednesday.
Several identified hotspots from Sunday evening’s infrared flyover continue to be worked on by ground crews.
Heavy machinery and monsoon buckets will also assist.
The fire size is 2900ha, and has an approximate perimeter of 38km.