Canterbury will move to an open fire season from midnight on Saturday, but people are being asked to hold off lighting outdoor fires until after Alert Level 3.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand has been impressed by people’s vigilance during the nationwide lockdown.
However, with more people at home, the number of reported rubbish fires across Christchurch has jumped significantly over the period from March 26 to April 23, with 47 callouts compared to 17 the same time last year.
FENZ area commander Dave Stackhouse said even if a fire is compliant and under control, the smoke often generates a 111 call from members of the public, which brings firefighters out of their station bubbles.
Meanwhile, FENZ callouts to motor vehicles accidents and house fires in Christchurch from March 26 to April 23 have dropped when compared with the same time last year.
Mr Stackhouse said firefighters have attended 50 fewer motor vehicle accidents this year, dropping from 58 to eight.
Mr Stackhouse said the number of house fires has decreased from 11 to nine for the same period this year, however, he said there has been a small increase in kitchen-related fires.
