Otago firefighters are on guard during the heatwave that has swept across Otago, as temperatures possibly exceeding 35degC could spark another series of blazes around the region.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand southern rural fire manager Mike Grant said he spent the latter part of last week preparing for the record-setting heatwave, and urged people to be very cautious over the next few days.
"We’re asking people who are mowing lawns, topping paddocks or using harvesters not to do so if they don’t have to. Even parking on the side of the road in long grass — the heat from the exhaust could ignite a fire in these conditions."
Mr Grant said three hubs had been set up around the region to respond to calls quicker and more effectively.
The fire danger and drought conditions were similar to those before the 1999 Alexandra fire that burnt 8000ha and when a civil defence emergency was declared.
Firefighters across the region had been very busy dealing with fires starting left, right and centre, Mr Grant said.
However, firefighters had been unnecessarily busy because people had not been cautious, he said.
