The Otago Rural Fire Authority has decided not to seek costs from three farmers who lit fires during a fire ban, but warns a total fire ban remains throughout Central Otago and a severe fire risk exists.
The three farmers - in the Tarras, Naseby and Lindis areas, lit fires on their properties in February.
All were rubbish fires and none got out of control, but fire crews still had to attend each incident and extinguish the fires, as required during a total fire ban.
Otago Rural Fire Authority deputy principal rural fire officer Peter Scarlet said at the time the fire authority might seek costs from the farmers for fighting the fires.
The cost of each fire could be up to $5000, he said.