Cantabrians are being told to avoid any spark-generating activities, such as mowing lawns, grinding and cutting metals outdoors or using farm machinery, due to the high fire risk. Fire and Emergency NZ has also suspended all fire permits, with immediate effect, in Canterbury and much of the upper South Island. Permits are granted when an area is in a restricted season, which is what Canterbury and parts of the upper South Island are in now. "Please, avoid any spark generating activities, like grinding and cutting metals outdoors, or using farm machinery," Russell said. He said fire crews spent the morning working to contain a large fire that started at Pines Beach yesterday.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 26, 2021 00:45 UTC