Fenz district commander Craig Gold said galeforce northwesterly winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity added up to high fire danger. "It’s really not the time to be lighting fires of any kind," he said. Permits include conditions which prevent fires being lit in windy conditions, or when strong winds are forecast. This applies to recreational fires as well as land management fires. People often lit recreational fires with good intentions but did not realise the danger.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 10, 2026 03:34 UTC