Otago fire risk will spike due to gales and heat

9 January 2026

Otago’s fire risk is expected to rise sharply over the next few days, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand is urging people to avoid lighting any outdoor fires - especially on Sunday and Monday.

Fire and Emergency District Commander Craig Gold says gale force north-westerly winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity all add up to high fire danger, and any rain that falls tomorrow (Saturday) is unlikely to reduce the risk significantly.

"It’s really not the time to be lighting fires of any kind - that goes for farmers, contractors and forestry managers, but also for holiday-makers," Craig Gold says.

Most of inland Otago is in a restricted fire season, so permits are needed for outdoor fires. Permits include conditions which prevent fires being lit in windy conditions, or when strong winds are forecast. This applies to recreational fires as well as land management fires.

"A camp fire by the river or a bonfire to celebrate the season can have devastating consequences if they escape, and will be very challenging for firefighters to put out in the high winds we’re expecting," Craig Gold says.

People often light recreational fires with good intentions but don’t realise the danger to themselves and others.

"Please find another way to celebrate summer," he says. "Our firefighters have got plenty to do already. If the party is at your place this holiday season, we actually prefer not to be invited, especially to an emergency."

People who are in areas not covered by a restricted fire season should check the weather forecast for their area and go to www.checkitsalright.nz to find advice on outdoor fire safety.