Fire and Emergency (FENZ) is reminding West Coasters to be vigilant about fire safety after firefighters were called to a huge 4ha fire.
On Monday evening, firefighters were called to a rural site in Atarau where a controlled fire had spread to the surrounding forest, burning around 4ha of land.
"Fire crews from Ikamatua and Reefton worked late into the night to control the blaze, with support from a helicopter and the Charleston brigade," FENZ West Coast District manager Myles Taylor said in a statement.
The next day, Inangahua and Seddonville fire brigades attended the incident to further extinguish and dampen the fire.
Vegetation specialist in the West Coast Rapid Response Team Andrew Dodd said while normally native bush has low flammability, in dry conditions they can spread in the undergrowth.
"We're wetter here on the West Coast, but wetter bush means more bush and more that will burn if it gets the chance to dry out," Dodd said.
The fire started just 14 hours before a restricted fire season was put in place for the Buller and Grey districts.
Now the districts are in a restricted fire season and any fires lit in the open air will need a permit.
"The Atarau fire is an example of just how quickly a fire can spread and get out of control in these hot and dry La Nina conditions," Taylor said.
"It's a timely reminder to please check the conditions before lighting a fire or carrying out any activity that could cause a spark. Go to www.checkitsalright.nz, and follow our safety tips."
