Fire and Emergency prepares early for an El Niño wildfire season
Farmers can cut wildfire risk this summer with simple maintenance, safe burning and a plan for stock.
|November 11, 2026Listen to the full interview:
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Fire and Emergency New Zealand is preparing early for an El Niño wildfire season, with higher fire danger in eastern areas of both islands.
National wildfire manager Tim Mitchell says the Tairāwhiti Gisborne area is drier than usual for this time of year.
“There’s quite a lot we can do to actually reduce the risk of wildfires,” he says.
Tim says farmers should keep rapid numbers visible, clear access ways and gutters, move firewood away from buildings and fully put out burn drums and pits.
He says welding, grinding, ploughing and electric fence units can throw sparks as vegetation dries.
A water cart or spray rig can hold a small fire until crews arrive.
Tim says haymakers should check hay before baling and spread stacks away from road boundaries.
To learn more, visit checkitsalright.nz
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