#news: Extreme Fire Danger Spikes Across More Districts

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging whānau, farms and communities to take extreme caution this weekend as fire danger spikes across an even wider area of the motu.

Deputy Chief Executive of Prevention, Nick Pyatt, has updated forecasts showing that Mid-South Canterbury and Otago are now added to the growing list of regions expected to experience very high to extreme fire conditions.

This follows a return to hot, dry summer weather after a wet holiday break. Across many parts of the country, temperatures are expected to climb above 30°C, humidity will drop, and winds could gust strongly – creating what FENZ describes as a “perfect storm” for wildfires.

Officials say nearly all wildfires in Aotearoa – around 97% – are caused by people, and they are urging everyone to control what we can: our own behaviour.

That means:

• Avoid lighting any outdoor fires unless you’re absolutely sure it’s safe;

• Check whether your area is under open, restricted or prohibited fire season conditions at checkitsalright.nz;

• Delay activities that can generate sparks – like mowing, welding, using power tools or burning rubbish;

• Ensure any existing burn piles from recent weeks are fully extinguished.

Regions highlighted as facing the highest fire danger include Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti and Northland – areas with large rural communities and vegetation now tinder-dry.

Fire chiefs warn that even a single ember can quickly develop into a major wildfire under these conditions.

They’re also reminding people to keep cool, stay hydrated and be vigilant on the whenua – especially over the coming weekend and summer weeks.

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