Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is preparing for the potential of an increased fire season in Central Otago as El Niño winds are forecast for summer, according to FENZ Central Otago group manager Bobby Lamont.

Bobby (formerly the deputy principal rural fire officer in Clyde who has been in the Queenstown-based role since 2021) said FENZ was “constantly monitoring” expert forecasts from NIWA and other fire indicators to ensure services and brigades across the district were prepared.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve had warmer temperatures and [minimal] rain, and not much wind.

“[This year] we can expect stronger westerly winds for Central and inland Otago… and ​​El Niño should peak in late January into early February.

“If we have ignition, [fires] will be wind driven… as we have fuel there and a fire will spread rapidly.”

FENZ group manager (Central Otago) Bobby Lamont. PHOTO: Supplied  

“Central Otago has been really conscious of fire danger since the Fruitlands fire of 1999…the community is proactive in monitoring risks and calling it in.

“Thanks to the Central Otago community, they are fantastic...We haven't had a massive fire and that’s a credit to them,” Bobby said. 

FENZ service delivery wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said given this year’s flood events and wet conditions, people will likely find it difficult to understand the wildfire risk New Zealand could be facing soon.

"But a spell of hot dry windy weather will quickly dry out the grass and vegetation that has grown and will likely grow over the coming months, due to the moist soils and return to warmer weather. This will become a fire risk if not managed.

"Ninety-eight per cent of New Zealand wildfires are caused by people and people can do a great deal to prevent wildfires occurring and to help protect themselves and their property," Tim said.

FENZ is encouraging people to prepare their properties by keeping the grass short, moving firewood and other flammable materials well away from their house, clearing the gutters so hot embers can’t lodge in them, clearing accessways and making sure rapid address numbers are visible, and having a plan of action if they are involved in a vegetation fire.

Bobby said anyone with garden waste or piles of slash to burn should do it sooner rather than later “while conditions are good and winds are light”.

Residents with a property close to power lines should check vegetation is not encroaching on lines.

The Central App asked Bobby about the increased publicity of international wildfires such as those in Hawaii and Canada and the connection to climate change. 

Read more: After a summer of cyclones are we ready for a summer of wildfires

“It’s a double edged sword, there is good awareness coming out of it and some hype in there as well,” he said.

“It highlights that climate change is real and it’s affecting everyone and will affect New Zealand, we’re already seeing it with reduced snowfall over winters and increased heat over summers. 

“From the media side it is good as it raises awareness of what FENZ is doing with preparedness tools and advice for communities too.”

Bobby’s final reminder for residents was: “If you see smoke, call 111 as soon as you can.”

Before lighting a fire or doing anything that emits heat or sparks, check the local fire danger level at checkitsalright.nz.