Frost pulls the moisture out of vegetation making them highly combustible. PHOTO: ALEXIA JOHNSTONIt might not be over for fires in the South despite cold temperatures, as frosts can heighten fire danger. The effect of the recent snow and rain on vegetation would be short lived. “Frost pulls the moisture out of vegetation making them highly combustible, so the danger has not decreased just because we have had a bit of rain,’’ principal rural fire officer Graeme Still said. Otago was predicted to get -3degC frosts, coupled with strong north westerlies later in the week.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 01, 2020 22:30 UTC