Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a restricted fire season for Southland District, effective from Feb. 4 until further notice, due to prolonged dry conditions and an increased risk of wildfires.
Under the restricted fire season, outdoor fires require a permit, which can be obtained via http://www.checkitsalright.nz/.
Julian Tohiariki, Fire and Emergency New Zealand Southland district manager, said that a combination of rising temperatures, dry vegetation, and moderate winds has increased the potential for fires to ignite and spread quickly.
“These conditions make it too easy for fires to get started and get out of control,” he said.
He referenced the recent wildfire on Tiwai Peninsula, noting that it spread rapidly through dry vegetation, demonstrating the potential for significant environmental damage.
“We have a lot of very dry and flammable vegetation out there in the district at the moment, so we need to restrict how and when outdoor fires are lit,” Tohiariki said.
Insurance companies and brokers are called to advise residents to check fire restrictions in their area before lighting any fires.
“It’s important we take all the steps we can to reduce the fire risk to our safety, property, and environment this summer,” Tohiariki said.
The announcement highlights New Zealand’s warming climate, with new data from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) revealing that 2024 was one of New Zealand’s warmest years on record.
The report noted an average national temperature of 13.25°C to 0.51°C above the 1991 to 2020 baseline.
The findings reflect ongoing warming trends, driven in part by rising greenhouse gas emissions. NIWA’s Baring Head monitoring station recorded carbon dioxide levels exceeding 420 parts per million (ppm) in 2024, continuing an upward trajectory linked to human activity.
In response to the latest data, scientists stressed the need for long-term adaptation measures.
Dr Nick Cradock-Henry, a principal scientist at GNS Science, said that land and water management planning will be critical in responding to climate challenges.
“Enhancing resilience and accelerating adaptation action to safeguard lives and livelihoods will be an essential part of New Zealand’s response planning, going forward, regardless of how 2025 unfolds,” he said.
Dr James Renwick, a climate scientist at Victoria University of Wellington, underscored the importance of consistent climate monitoring to track ongoing changes and inform adaptation efforts.
“The NIWA annual climate summary, the underlying observational network and team of scientists analysing the data, are a critical part of the country’s science infrastructure. Ongoing measurement of what’s happening on the ground is crucial to understanding how our climate is changing and how we adapt,” he said.
