A total fire ban has been declared across most of Otago as the fire risk swells amid hot and dry weather and increasing water shortages.
Extreme fire danger and a high risk of accidental ignition has resulted in the Otago Rural Fire Authority banning any outdoor fires and revoking all existing permits, Otago Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Stephanie Rotarangi says.
"It will be no surprise to Otago residents that the region is drying out,'' she said.
"There is now a high risk of fires escaping due to a combination of dry conditions and significant fuel.''
The ban prohibits camp fires, fireworks, bonfires, rubbish fires, braziers, flying lanterns and outdoor incinerators.
It covers the Lakes, Central, Coastal and Clutha fire zones, with only the Catlins remaining in a restricted season - with fires allowed by permit only.
Last week, the authority attended 27 fires which included nuisance fires such as unattended camp fires and fires started by discarded cigarettes.
"There are definitely penalties for breaking a total fire ban and they include jail time and monetary fines,'' Dr Rotarangi said.
"But there's also the cost of the fire suppression which can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars and, in fact, millions. They face the full cost of suppressing the fire and any damage.
"It would be irresponsible to breach a total fire ban, not only for the monetary cost, but the risk to people's lives as well.''
She hoped the introduction of the ban would see an improvement in behaviour, as all rural fires were attended by volunteers.
"We don't have any capacity for extra staff; our response is 100% volunteer-based,'' she said.
"Our volunteers are well used to giving up their summer holidays and we do have plenty of people, but they need a break too and it would be great if we weren't dragging them out on to fire grounds for nuisance fires.''
Extreme fire danger indicated fires would ignite easily, spread extremely fast and be extremely difficult to control, she said.
Current conditions were "what we would expect around March for a dry season''.
Anyone who saw smoke should report it immediately on 111, as an early report could "make the difference between a short response and a long, difficult and expensive response''.
The dry conditions and abundance of fuel meant people needed to exercise great caution when carrying out the most routine tasks.
"[We] ask that the public also take care when operating equipment such as mowers, grinders and chainsaws,'' she said.
"It is important to make sure your machinery is well maintained and undertake your operations during the cooler parts of the day.''
The Dunedin City Council earlier this week issued a water conservation notice to Waikouaiti and Karitane residents.
Dr Rotarangi said she expected more to follow and water scarcity could provide another headache for rural firefighters this time of year.
"We have some capacity to bring water with us but once that's gone we need to draw from tanks, ponds, wherever we can.''
While there were no particular areas of concern, people should be vigilant throughout Otago, she said.
"The vast majority of the public do know these rules but there's a small minority that don't understand or don't pay attention to these fire bans.''
The authority would advise when the ban was lifted, but "it will take substantial and sustained rain to provide a respite''.
Total fire ban - what it means
● All fire permits revoked.
● All camp fires, fireworks, bonfires, rubbish fires, braziers, flying lanterns and outdoor incinerators prohibited.
● Gas barbecues allowed.
● Those causing rural fires could face jail and in the past have been liable for costs in excess of $500,000.
● If you see smoke or fire, call 111 immediately.
● The ban covers the Lakes, Central, Coastal and Clutha fire zones.
● The Catlins fire zone remains in a restricted season with fires by permit only and if conditions allow.
