Fire and Emergency Services urge caution as fire risk increases in Canterbury

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging Canterbury residents to avoid lighting outdoor fires in the coming days due to the increased risk of fire. The region is expected to experience higher temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees Celsius, coupled with gusty northwesterly winds, raising concerns about possible fires.

District Commander Dave Stackhouse said people should remain vigilant about fire danger. “I urge people to refrain from lighting outdoor fires over the next few days while the weather is warm and windy,” he said.

While the area north of the Rakaia River remains in open fire season, Stackhouse said the conditions still pose a significant risk. “Vegetation fires will still happen if people don’t heed this advice,” he said.

He explained that during Canterbury’s recent week-long total fire ban under Section 52 of the New Zealand Fire and Emergency Management Act 2017, crews responded to 23 vegetation fires. “Of these incidents, 78 percent were caused by external fires, fires or re-ignition of previous fires,” Stackhouse said.

Fire and Emergency Services is asking residents not to light fires outdoors and to keep a close eye on any previous burns as the risk of re-ignition is high. “Burying embers underground may help, but will not completely extinguish the fire,” Stackhouse warned. “If the wind picks up, it could disturb the soil, disperse embers and ignite nearby dry vegetation.”

Residents are encouraged to visit the Check It’s Alright website for information on outdoor fires and safety precautions.