Kiwis urged to be vigilant following recent fires

The fire risk across most regions of New Zealand is now extreme, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has warned.

Fire bans remain in place in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty/Central North Island, Christchurch City and Banks Peninsular, Nelson, Marlborough and Central Otago. Restricted fire seasons were declared in most other areas of the country.

The extreme fire risk is the result of long periods without significant rain, and abundant spring vegetation growth that has now dried off, said Peter Gallagher, FENZ principal advisor for fire risk management.

"We are not expecting to see a significant change in fire danger in the next two to four weeks,” Gallagher said. “These very dry conditions increase the chance of a single spark creating a large fire. We’re asking the public to stop and think before they undertake certain activities outside, and to remain vigilant."

Here are some fire prevention tips, as outlined by FENZ, that brokers can pass to clients:

• Call 111 if you see any signs of fire or suspicious activity
• Go to the Check it Alright website for fire season status and rules relating to outdoor fires
• Do not mow long, dry grass if there’s a chance of hitting a rock. If a mower’s metal blades hit even a tiny rock, it can cause a spark and ignite a fire
• Take extreme care when performing hot work outdoors, such as grinding, welding or metal cutting.