NZ fire risk soars with summer heat

The summer's first big grassfire in the Upper Clutha swept across hectares of farmland before being stopped at the Lindis River.

Extreme warnings in Otago, Canterbury and Wairarapa; rural firefighters on way to help Australian crews.

As temperatures soar above 30C across parts of New Zealand, so has demand for firefighters as tinder-dry conditions create the perfect environment for forest and scrub fires.

Extreme fire danger warnings are in place in much of Otago, Canterbury and the Wairarapa, with firefighters in the South Island busy for much of yesterday with a series of blazes.

And the Fire Service says much of the country is now at extreme risk of bush fires.

The status indicates the relative difficulty in controlling fires burning in forest, scrubland or grassland. Even the smallest spark could ignite a catastrophic fire.

"It's really climbing with these high temperatures. It's going from high to very high to extreme as fast as it scientifically can," Department of Conservation Canterbury rural fire officer Bruce Janes told One News.

In the most at-risk areas helicopters and monsoon buckets were on standby and fire crews were ready for any call-out.

Homes near Twizel were evacuated last night as a large scrub fire burnt near the township.

Two helicopters used monsoon buckets to drop water on the 15ha blaze near the Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park, which was contained about 7pm.

Fire crews were still damping down hot spots yesterday at two Otago fires on Saturday.

Flames destroyed a honey processing plant near Alexandra and smoke was visible from as far away as the Cromwell Gorge.

The other fire forced the evacuation of a Tarras campground.

Rural Fire Force deputy chief fire officer Mark Davidson admitted he was embarrassed by the blaze.

Not only was the Upper Clutha's first big grass fire of the summer on his own farm, not enough Tarras volunteers were available to field a crew to fight the fire.

Rural Fire Authorities said it was crucial that anyone spending time in bush or scrub areas adhere to fire ban rules. Anyone with a permit to light a fire should follow the instructions to the letter. If in doubt - don't ignite.

They said particular care should be taken using gas-powered cooking stoves, tracer ammunition or black gunpowder in firearms and any clear or reflective objects like glass bottles that could act as a magnifying glass and spark a blaze.

"Do not use an open flame anywhere near trees, long dry grass, and steep northerly-facing slopes. When leaving a site, make sure you extinguish your campfire, dispose of ashes carefully, take all rubbish with you," a spokesperson said.

People without a permit were prohibited from lighting any fire.

The Rural Fire Authority website shows which parts of New Zealand has bans, restrictions and open fire conditions.

Fire prevention tips

• Stick to fire ban rules in bush, scrub or forests.

• If you have a fire permit, follow the instructions to the letter, and if in doubt - don't ignite.

• Take particular care using gas-powered cooking stoves, tracer ammunition or black gunpowder in firearms.

• Be careful with clear or reflective objects like glass bottles that can act as a magnifying glass and spark a blaze.

• Don't use open flames near trees, long dry grass and steep northerly-facing slopes.

• Extinguish campfires, dispose of ashes carefully and take all rubbish with you.If you have a fire permit, follow the instructions to the letter, and if in doubt - don't ignite.