Dry weather raises fire risk and rabbit numbers

Fire danger levels in the Far North have soared to the highest for 10 years, and with it has come a minor rabbit plague in Northland.

Far North rural fire chief Lance Johnston said people were still ignoring the total fire ban and lighting fires in the open.

Kaitaia's volunteer brigade had been called out frequently to small fires burning in scrub, grass and vegetation.

Mr Johnston warned that fire authorities' patience was running out. People who lit fires in the open would be prosecuted. Offenders can be made to pay the full cost of extinguishing the fires.

Mr Johnston could not recall the fire danger level so high in the Far North in the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the Northland Regional Council says dry conditions are behind an increase in reports of rabbit-related damage to lawns, plants and pasture.

The council says poisoning with Pindone is an effective way of getting rid of most rabbits.

It says the poison should be laid well in advance of planting in rabbit-prone areas.