Police say “arrests are likely” after fires were lit in Canterbury this week, despite a total fire ban.
A total fire ban on outdoor fires and fireworks was put in place for Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Wellington and Hawke’s Bay Districts as high winds battered the country yesterday.
The bans are in place until Monday, October 27.
Firefighters were still dealing with several vegetation fires, which caused “extensive damage and property losses”, destroying five homes in Kaikōura.
Police in Canterbury were “disappointed” that fires were still being lit during the ban.
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“Police will be investigating any suspicious fires and may prosecute those responsible, with investigations underway of reported fires since the ban was put in place,” Superintendent Tony Hill said.
“Arrests are likely.”
He urged Cantabrians not to light outdoor fires “for any reason”.
“The fire ban is in place to reduce the risk of wildfires, which can be fanned further and bigger with significant windy conditions forecasted for several days.”
Police also reminded people to avoid lighting fireworks or using gas cookers outside.
“If you see unlawful behaviour, including fires being lit when they shouldn’t, call 111 immediately.”
