Otago's fire risk is expected to rise sharply over the next few days, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) is urging people to avoid lighting any outdoor fires, especially tomorrow and Monday.
Fenz district commander Craig Gold said galeforce northwesterly winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity added up to high fire danger.
Any rain which fell today was unlikely to reduce the risk significantly.
"It’s really not the time to be lighting fires of any kind," he said.
"That goes for farmers, contractors and forestry managers, but also for holiday-makers."
Most of inland Otago was in a restricted fire season, so permits are needed for outdoor fires. Permits include conditions which prevent fires being lit in windy conditions, or when strong winds are forecast.
This applies to recreational fires as well as land management fires.
"A camp fire by the river or a bonfire to celebrate the season can have devastating consequences if they escape, and will be very challenging for firefighters to put out in the high winds we’re expecting."
People often lit recreational fires with good intentions but did not realise the danger.
"Please find another way to celebrate summer.
"Our firefighters have got plenty to do already.
"If the party is at your place this holiday season, we actually prefer not to be invited, especially to an emergency." — Allied Media
