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    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

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    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

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Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Avoidable fires linked to storm clean-up in Southland

Avoidable fires linked to storm clean-up in Southland

18 November 2025

A spate of hedge fires in Southland over the last 10 days has prompted Fire and Emergency to remind anyone wanting to burn to think carefully before lighting up debris piles from last month’s storm.

District Manager Julian Tohiariki says there are two common causes of fires getting out of control - both easily avoided.

"People have been setting fire to debris from the big winds at the end of October without giving enough thought to where they have built their piles. They’re often much too close to hedges, shelterbelts and other vegetation."

The second cause relates to people lighting up their burn piles without checking the weather forecast.

"At this time of year we do expect windy conditions and unsettled weather," Julian Tohiariki says. 

"A fire that is not properly extinguished can reignite days later in windy conditions so we ask people to be aware of this and check that any fires they have lit are actually out. Wind will fan the flames, blow embers around and make it much harder to keep control of their fire."

The outcome is frequently a 111 call that results in the local volunteer fire brigade having to put the fire out - often after significant damage to the property and sometimes affecting neighbours’ land as well.

Vegetation fires can burn for days if they become established and deep-seated. Extinguishing them often requires significant resources.

"This is putting a lot of pressure on our volunteer firefighters at a time when they are also really busy on their own properties," Julian Tohiariki says. "Many of them are farmers themselves. They are also dealing with damage from the storm and doing their regular jobs at the same time.

"They always want to help their community but none of them want to be dealing with these completely avoidable fires."

Anyone who uses fire as a land management tool needs to look at the weather forecast and go online to www.checkitsalright.nz for advice about safe burning.

Here are three tips to help avoid unwanted fires.

  • Place the burn pile on the lee side (sheltered side) at least 30 metres away from trees, hedges, sheds or other structures, and Avoid powerlines.
  • Create a five metre fire break to stop a creeping ground fire
  • Always check www.checkitsalright.nz before burning, to be sure that it is safe to burn and understand any restrictions for your location, including if you need a fire permit.
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