Alexandra scrub fire timely reminder care needed

Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Fire and Emergency New Zealand rural fire investigator Mark Hutton looks over the burnt-out area of Monday's scrub fire on Bridge Hill, in Alexandra. Photo: Pam Jones

Alexandra firefighters are asking people to take care in the region's dry conditions, after a large scrub fire on Monday.

The fire burnt about 7500sq m of land near houses on Gillaly Rd, Bridge Hill. The fire started about 3pm and took hold quickly, fanned by strong winds. It was under control by 5pm, but firefighters monitored the area overnight.

Alexandra Fire Brigade Deputy Chief Fire Officer and Fire and Emergency New Zealand rural fire investigator Mark Hutton said a spark from a grinder being used on the property caused the fire.

He urged people to be careful in the tinder-dry conditions and asked those using machinery such as grinders, welders and lawnmowers to be especially vigilant.

He advised people using such machinery to do so early in the morning, and when there was no wind, and to have fire extinguishers nearby.

''This fire is a timely reminder to the public to be aware of how dry conditions are in Central Otago, allowing for fires to take hold and spread rapidly . . . The fire had the potential to cause considerable damage to dwellings in the area but it was fortunate it was contained very quickly.''

A restricted fire season for the lake zone of Otago was put in place on Monday. The lighting of fires in an open area is by permit only. Gas cookers, gas barbecues and fires in permanent fireplaces (from which no embers can escape) are authorised without a permit.