Grass fires highlight dry spell

Dry conditions could be cause for concern for fire fighters this summer.

A fire in toi toi bushes on a property at Poriate on Saturday highlighted drying conditions across the region as forecast showers for the weekend largely stayed away.

"We are seeing it - it is starting to get a bit dry out there already," a Fire Service spokesman said.

Firefighters were called to the Poriate property just before 6pm after the fire was spotted by nearby residents.

Some of the bushes were close to one house, which had caused some initial concern, but the blaze was quickly brought under control. It was not known how it started.

Earlier in the day, around 10.20am, fire crews had attended a vegetation fire at Bay View.

"And we have had another couple of grass fires recently," the spokesman said.

While Hastings fire crews had been relatively quiet on the grass and scrub fire front recently there was one part of the meteorological equation they were watching closely.

"There's talk of an El Nino weather system heading this way - that will raise the risk higher," one firefighter said.

Apart from the chance of some minor showers today there is no immediate rain on the forecast for the twin cities.

Tomorrow through until Thursday is set to be sunny and dry, with temperatures climbing to a more spring-like 19C and 20C. Friday's forecast is for 19C and showers, with more consistent rain set to arrive on Saturday.