Central residents are being praised for their conscientious efforts towards fire prevention so far this summer.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand group manager for Otago District - Central Otago Bobby Lamont said the hot and dry summer had not resulted in any more fires than usual around the district for this time of year.

Central remains in a prohibited fire season, which means a total ban on open-air fires, and all previously granted fire permits are suspended.

“Overall Central Otago [residents] are generally very, very conscientious and aware of the fire danger and I think [that is] partly due to the community still being aware of what happened in 1999 in Alexandra with those large fires.”

This month marks 25 years since “those large fires” swept through parts of Alexandra, where thousands of hectares of land and vegetation were scorched.

“Generally, people are still very, very aware of the risk of fire danger and the risk of spread, so [we’re] pretty happy with Central Otago communities overall.” Bobby said.

“Every year I say it, but I just thank them again for their efforts, and their awareness, and consciousness of that fire danger.”

However, as teams battle a large fire in Christchurch’s Port Hills this week, exactly seven years after another large scale fire in the same area, people are urged not to become complacent.

Bobby Lamont, of Fire and Emergency New Zealand. PHOTO: Supplied

Bobby said in Central, fires are often accidental, predominantly when farm machinery heats up, or flicks a stone, which then sparks.

He urged people to do those high risk jobs in the morning, when there was still a bit of dew on the ground. 

Bobby also reminds people that fireworks and lanterns are banned, until further notice.

“We don’t want to be the fun police, but we do ask people to have a bit of awareness.”

Anyone considering lighting a fire outdoors, no matter the season, should visit www.checkitsalright.nz to make sure there are no restrictions in place and read up on fire safety advice.

People can also visit fireandemergency.nz where they can get some good fire safety advice, along with weather updates.

Listen to more on The Outlet podcast.

Read more at RNZ: Christchurch Port Hills fire: as it happened