Fire danger high for South Island

Nearly half of the South Island's fire authorities have banned all outdoor fires. Photo / File

Fire danger remains high in many parts of the South Island because of high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.

Nearly half of the South Island's fire authorities have banned all outdoor fires in response.

This danger was high along the eastern side of the South Island, particularly in North Canterbury, Marlborough and Central Otago, said Rural Fire manager Tim Mitchell.

"The east coast had some rain last week, but not enough to make any real dent in the fire danger, plus the recent high temperatures and strong winds have dried out much of the remaining moisture," he said.

Mr Mitchell urged anyone unsure of whether fires were banned to contact their local Rural Fire Authority as ignorance was no defence.

"Bans are for everyone's safety -- yours and those around you."

It was also recommended that people use caution while using lawnmowers, weed eaters, tractors, grinders, welders and other equipment that could create sparks. This work should be avoided during the heat of the day, he said.

"Also, take care when venturing into the outdoors and during New Year celebrations. Have fun, but be careful with things such as motorbikes and vehicles, which can cause wildfires if they come into contact with long, dry grass."

He also warned revellers not to let off fireworks stored from Guy Fawkes during New Year celebrations.

People often vastly underestimated how quickly fires could travel during dry and windy conditions, he said.

"Fires are easy to start, but hard and costly to put out, as the recent Wairau Valley fire amply demonstrated."

The large forest fire in Malborough -- the biggest in the area since the Boxing Day blazes of 2000 -- burned through 1200ha of trees worth about $30 million, moving from the Wairau Valley towards the adjacent Waihopai Valley.

"The cost of fighting that fire is likely to reach $2 million -- which will be borne by those who started the fire," said Mr Mitchell.

However, he said he was encouraged that the public were listening to warnings from local fire authorities and urged them to continue to be careful when doing outdoor activities.