An approaching El Niño summer could bring a dangerous combination of dry vegetation, strong winds and rapidly spreading fires, prompting a warning from Ōpōtiki firefighters for residents to take extra care, particularly along the East Coast.

Ōpōtiki deputy chief fire officer Barry Hennessy and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) risk reduction adviser Paul Hunter are warning that seemingly small fires can quickly become a major threat to homes, vegetation, forestry and orchards as conditions dry out over the coming months.

Hunter said the developing El Niño weather pattern was expected to bring lower rainfall and stronger winds, increasing the likelihood of fires starting and spreading quickly.

“Given the history of the coast for fires there is definitely an increased threat to houses and vegetation in the district,” he said.

The warning comes as New Zealand heads into a summer influenced by a particularly strong El Niño.

Earth Sciences New Zealand has forecast stronger and more frequent southwesterly to northwesterly winds, with historically strong El Niño events often bringing drier-than-usual summer conditions to the north and east of the country.

Hunter said the risk was not limited to remote scrub or forestry areas, with everyday activities around homes and properties capable of sparking a blaze.

“The number one contributor to fires is from human behaviour and, so, we are asking everyone to be vigilant even when the fire season is open,” he said.

One particular danger was kikuyu grass, which could appear green on the surface while remaining dry underneath.

“Many people are unaware just how fast and wide it can burn underneath,” he said.

“So, if you have a rubbish fire or are burning anything, make sure the area is clear of vegetation and keep a hose nearby if possible.”

Hennessy said people also needed to think carefully about when they lit fires, with temperature, humidity and wind all influencing how quickly flames could spread.

“If people are having fires, it is important to be aware of the time of day and the temperature and humidity are all factors that increase the risk,” he said.

“For example, the risk is higher later in the day if it has been very hot and sunny and especially if there is a bit of wind.”

Hennessy said fires should never be left unattended, even if they appeared to be burning safely.

“Always have water nearby and watch the fire, don’t leave it to burn out on its own and be sure to keep the area around your incinerator clear,” he said.

“Unattended rubbish fires have caused blazes that can cost $100,000s in property damage, not to mention all the volunteers required to give up their time to contain them.”

The consequences can extend well beyond the immediate property where a fire starts, placing neighbouring homes and large areas of land at risk while drawing volunteer firefighters away from their families and other commitments.

Hennessy pointed to a fire near Waihau Bay in August that he said spread across nearly 10 hectares – an unusually large blaze for that time of year.

“That is unusual for that time of year, so the risk is only going to increase,” he said.

Hunter said the distance firefighters sometimes needed to travel to reach incidents along State Highway 35 made prevention particularly important.

“Education is a really important part of lowering the fire risk and we would recommend people check out the FENZ website for fire warnings, seasonal guides and lots of great information for keeping safe,” he said.

“It can be quite a distance for the fire brigade to travel down the coast and this only increases the risk to property. I don’t imagine you would be very popular if the fire you lit ended up burning down your neighbour’s house, so it pays to be as cautious as possible.”

He said the financial and environmental consequences of a major fire could be devastating for the region.

“Houses, forestry and orchards are all at risk, not to mention lives, so being vigilant and careful is paramount,” Hunter said.

He reminds residents that the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017 provides for infringement notices for specified fire-related offences. Depending on the circumstances, people who light fires unlawfully or breach fire-safety requirements can face enforcement action. The act also sets out FENZ’s powers and responsibilities in preventing and responding to fires.

Both firefighters are encouraging residents to check current fire-season restrictions and conditions before lighting anything, keep water close at hand, clear dry vegetation from around fires and incinerators, and remain with any fire until it is completely extinguished.

Anyone who discovers a fire should call 111 promptly and provide as much information as possible about its location, size and direction of spread.

“If you see a fire get in touch with us as soon as possible and the more information, we have the better equipped we are to deal with them,” Hunter said.

Residents can check current restrictions, fire danger information and safety advice through the official Fire and Emergency New Zealand website:

www.fireandemergency.nz.