Police, Fenz crews kept busy

There have been almost three times as many vehicle crashes during the holiday period than are usual, first responders say.

In the past month, police received reports of 42 vehicle crashes in Waitaki, up from about 15 per month they typically receive.

Traffic incidents have also increased from the average of 100 to 163.

"We’ve seen a huge increase in traffic complaints and vehicle accidents," Senior Sergeant Jason McCoy said.

There had been an increased police presence around the Waitaki Lakes area over the holiday period.

Drivers were encouraged to keep small but important things in mind while driving, such as lane changes and following distances.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Waitaki group manager Mike Harrison said Waitaki fire crews were "relatively busy" over the holiday period with 25 callouts, including several vehicle accidents and vegetation fires.

There had also been an increase in callouts in the Waitaki Lakes area.

"There is definitely an uptick, especially up the Waitaki Valley."

There were 10 fewer callouts compared to the holiday period last year, which Mr Harrison credited to a reduction in false alarms and medical callouts in coastal Waitaki.

One notable incident occurred near Kurow, where a fuel tanker’s brakes and tyres caught fire.

Crews were able to put out the fire before the rest of the truck caught alight.

There had been an increase in medical callouts around the Upper Waitaki, but that was expected considering the number of people visiting the area, Mr Harrison said.

Upper Waitaki has been in a prohibited fire season since December 18, which involved a total fire ban.

Due to the current dry weather, restricted fire seasons may be implemented in other parts of the Waitaki.

Mr Harrison said it was important for people to check the fire season of an area and whether or not a permit is needed.

Fire safety information and current season information can be found on www.checkitsalright.nz.

A recent fire in the Mackenzie Basin served as a warning about how rapidly fire can spread.

Mid-South Canterbury district manager Rob Hands said firefighters worked hard to prevent the blaze from reaching houses.

Crews from Twizel, Omarama, Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Kurow contained the fire that occurred last Sunday in Manuka Tce after it covered about 1km.

"The fire was within 100m of continuous trees. If the wind had been blowing in the other direction, we would have been there for a week or two putting it out."

Mr Hands hoped the experience would have encouraged the area’s residents to attend a wildfire information session held on Wednesday.

The Mackenzie Basin moved into a prohibited fire season on December 21 and maintains an outdoor fire ban.

Hot, dry and windy weather, such as the district is experiencing, can make for volatile wildfires.

"There’s no room for complacency here — the environment is so ready to receive fire," Mr Hands said.