Fire and Emergency crews around the district have been busy battling out of control fires, with three vegetation fires on the same day. Despite recent rain, the district is experiencing dry conditions. The summer months are always busier for fire crews in rural areas as the hot, dry weather means that fires can start more easily and develop more quickly. In these hotter months it is especially important to ensure that fires are following permit rules:Check the fire weather: fireweather.niwa.co.nzOnly light fires on calm days. Machinery such as farm equipment can cause fires in vegetation just from the heat of engines or exhausts.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 10, 2020 05:48 UTC