KEY POINTS:
A total fire ban across the top of the South Island could be in place by Christmas as extreme early-summer weather conditions spark major fire concerns.
New Zealand Fire Service rural fire manager John Barnes said today a total ban was a real possibility, especially in the Marlborough area, as warm temperatures strip the land of moisture.
"It (a ban) is possible but it all depends very much on whether we get any rain over the next few days," he said.
A total fire ban can only be put in place by the local fire authority.
"Some areas already have restrictions and Christchurch City is contemplating putting restrictions in place over the next few days," Mr Barnes said.
Restrictions required residents to apply for a permit for open fires but some authorities would not be issuing permits, he said.
Mr Barnes said the authority was concerned at how quickly the build-up index, which measures the total amount of combustible fuel available, had risen so early in December.
Marlborough principal fire officer Ross Hamilton said the drought code was on 427 on a scale of 1000.
Anything over 300 was considered high.
"The grass is well cured and brown. We've had a bit of damp weather over the last couple of days, but it will be shortlived and will soon dry out again," he told The Press.
Marlborough had received only 70 per cent of its annual rain fall and the district council ordered some irrigation supplies to be shut off in rural areas.
Department of Conservation Canterbury fire officer Tony Teeling told NZPA a total fire ban was one mechanism to protect dry land.
Closures in certain dry areas may also be an option, he said.
Over the holiday period aircraft attack crews based in Christchurch and Twizel would be on stand by, Mr Teeling said.
"We will be keeping a very very close watch," he said.
- NZPA
