A group of overseas fruitpickers who lit a small bonfire on the shores of the Clutha River at Alexandra early yesterday morning were given a warning by firefighters called to extinguish the fire.
A prohibited fire season is in force throughout Central Otago, which means open fires are banned. The fire, near the Alexandra bridge, was extinguished just after 1am by a crew of Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade members.
Senior Station Officer Glen Gray said the fruitpickers had been socialising near the river and decided to light a bonfire.
''We told them what they were doing was forbidden and that there was a lot of very dry grass nearby and if the fire had spread, they'd have been liable for the costs,'' Mr Gray said.
A resident living on Bridge Hill overlooking the site saw the fire and alerted emergency services.
