It may be the middle of winter, but the fire danger in North Otago is moderate to high, prompting a warning yesterday from Waitaki District Council emergency services manager Chris Raine.
He advised people not to light fires during windy periods and to ensure they checked whether a fire permit was needed.
Westerly winds over the weekend continued to dry the area out after three months of little rain, particularly in coastal areas of the district. About 30mm of rain in the Omarama area on Saturday has reduced the fire risk inland.
Only 0.5mm of rain fell in coastal areas on Sunday night and strong winds predicted over the next 24 hours would soon dry that out.
High winds would rapidly increase the fire danger, Mr Raine said.
An El Nino period was emerging, with less rain for North Otago, which could mean a dry winter and spring and a high fire risk, Mr Raine said.
He was out in North Otago at the weekend and said paddocks were turning brown at the back of Corriedale.
Both vegetation and the ground was dry, meaning fire could continue to burn in roots after the surface fire was out, then spread sparks in high winds. He found that on a Kurow farm where a farmer was burning out stumps.
"Any fires left to smoulder may be re-energised, with ember travel possible from the wind speed," he said.
Farmers who had permits to burn needed to consider carefully the long-term weather forecast.
Mr Raine also warned those new to the district that they may need permits for fires and to check with the Waitaki District Council.
