After a spate of recent preventable fires in Otago, people are now being warned to be mindful of the dangers of frost-curing.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Frost can dry out vegetation and other fire fuel, and deputy principal rural fire officer Mark Mawhinney said the recent warm dry days had further exacerbated the situation, keeping crews busy attending fires.
"What many people don't realise is that frost 'cures' [dries out] the grass and you have a much greater risk of your fire escaping," he said.
"The recent escaped fires were all preventable and occurred during relatively calm conditions. It would be very concerning if these fires escaped during windier conditions."
The fires were caused by cigarettes, hot ashes and dry grass too close to a burn pile.
Fire and Emergency is urging people to assess the situation and their plans to burn, and not to become complacent because it is winter.
They say what was once green grass was likely not dead and flammable.
Fire and Emergency recommends people:
- burn in the morning when frost moisture reduces the fire risk
- stack hedge trimmings at least 30 metres and downwind of any other combustible material
- check the forecast and ensure there are no strong winds forecast for the next two days
- have enough equipment to control a fire
- keep an eye on the fire throughout burning and watch for any weather changes
- go back several times once the fire is out to ensure it's cold as fires can flair up months after they've been lit.