Now is “traditionally” the season to light vegetation fires responsibly, but failing to take the right precautions can have dire consequences, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) warns.

Fire crews have attended numerous callouts to vegetation fires across wider Otago in recent weeks, including one at Becks on Monday, which Omakau, Blackstone and Dunstan crews attended.

Crews across East Otago have also had a series of callouts in recent weeks, which has required helicopters in some cases, a cost that is paid for by Fenz.

Fenz advisor risk reduction for the Otago District Mark Mawhinney said while now was usually the right time of the year for burning unwanted vegetation waste, people should remain cautious.

He said that meant checking the weather forecast before burning and remaining vigilant over the days it continues to burn and smoulder.

“The thing catching people out at this time of year is the wind and that’s what’s caused these fires to become a problem,” he said.

“While it’s a good time to burn . . . people do still need to be careful.”

He said, in some cases the burns are quite big, which means they can remain burning or smouldering “for weeks”.

Those fires should be monitored regularly, along with the weather and if wind starts to pick up, the fire should be buried or extinguished.

“With wind picking up, embers travel so other grass can catch fire.”

Mark said unpredictable weather meant it was a “real catch-22”.

“It’s a delicate balance.”

However, help was always at hand, he said.

He encourages anyone wanting advice to contact Fenz.

“If they haven’t done much burning before we’re happy to come out and take a look, free of charge.”

To enquire about receiving advice in Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes email [email protected] but in an emergency dial 111.

Visit the Fenz website to learn more about outdoor and rural fire safety.