Hot, windy weekend urges nationwide caution from FENZ

Marlborough, and much of the country’s east coast is facing a “perfect storm” of wildfire risk across the next few days with extreme caution urged by Fire and Emergency officials.

FENZ Deputy Chief Executive Prevention, Nick Pyatt and local Community Risk Manager Steve Trigg say the combination of conditions poses an increased fire risk across the country’s east coast in Canterbury, Marlborough, Wairarapa, Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, and Northland districts.

Conditions are expected to hit the mid 30’s over the next few days in Marlborough fed by gusts of up to 80km/h throughout the weekend.

Locally the forecasted heat has meant local FENZ staff have put up Burning Day notices around the Wither Hills Farm Park and other popular exercise spots today - urging people not to exercise in the hottest parts of the day - and sent Fire Permit holders emails to be cautious with both old and new fires.

“Certainly hot, windy and low humidity conditions across both Marlborough North and South which are already under fire restrictions and looking very likely to go up as we will be revisiting fire statuses across top of the South next week”, says Steve.

“In the Wither Hills, it’s all about conditions in the park and what point that closure triggers for the Council due to evidence up there, but with the next few days that grass will dry out and we’re always in close contact with them.

“I believe heatstroke would become a risk when we’re hitting 33 plus the wind going up the Wither Hills, and people’s safety is the most utmost concern which is why Burning Day notices go up”.

“Checkitsalright.co.nz has great advice on everything from current restrictions to household and community preparedness and plenty of general advice”.

On a national level this weekend, “many parts of the country will be experiencing elevated fire danger conditions, with temperatures expected to surpass 30 degrees in some locations, wind gusts of 30km/h at times, and low humidity”, says Nick

"These conditions are what we call a perfect storm for wildfire risk.

"97 percent of wildfires in Aotearoa New Zealand are caused by people. We can’t control the fire risk, but we can control our actions."

"If your weekend plans include any activities involving an outdoor fire or spark/heat generating activities such as using power tools and mowing the lawn, we’re asking you to consider postponing these activities."

"Physically check any burn piles from the last few weeks are fully extinguished. If in doubt put more water on it to make sure it’s fully extinguished ahead of these extreme conditions."

"In these conditions, all it takes is one spark or ember to start a wildfire that will get out of control quickly and be very difficult for our crews to control."

Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor echoed FENZ sentiments, and said with high temperatures forecast it was timely to remind people to cover up, slap on sunscreen, drink plenty of water and avoid the hottest part of the day.

“As our district dries off, the fire risk is also increasing so please do not light fires and be mindful of any activity which could potentially start a fire including using machinery such as chainsaws and motor mowers. Keep watering to a minimum as well if you can.

“Look out for each other, particularly the older members of our community, infants and toddlers, who are all the most at risk from heat.

"Be mindful of animals too and provide them with plenty of shade and water.

“So far this summer the cooler temperatures and rain have kept the FENZ Fire Indices between Medium and High for the Wither Hills Farm Park. However, with these forecast high temperatures and no rain, that can change rapidly.

“Certainly, on hot summer days it makes good sense to avoid the farm park over the middle of the day and stick to the lower tracks where possible.”

Go to checkitsalright.co.nz for fire safety tips.