Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is urging people to plan for wildfires this summer by making their property fire safe and discussing risks with neighbours.
After several wet summers, the change to an El Nino weather pattern has authorities on edge. Especially in Nelson, where in 2019 the Pigeon Valley fire was classed as one of New Zealand's largest wildfires in history.
As another dry season begins, there are fears we could see similar scenes, Nelson Mayor Nick Smith said.
"We're sitting pretty nervously at the beginning of summer with El Nino and forecast from NIWA of a particulary dry summer."
The Pigeon Valley fire started when a tractor working in a rocky paddock caused sparks, igniting the dry grass.
The terrifying blaze was a big wake up call for Dave Phillipps, who lives 20 minutes away in Aniseed Valley. After the fire they held a big community meeting to discuss what they'd do if there was a wildfire.
It resulted in them working alongside FENZ to develop a local plan.
Their valley is one of dozens in Nelson Tasman Region with only one road in and out, and surrounded by forestry that can be extremely flammable.
"We feel pretty vulnerable really... with long grass as well, it could easily happen as a grass fire to start off," Phillipps said.
He's been dropping fire safety pamphlets in mailboxes, with advice such as clearing your driveway for firetrucks (they need 4m by 4m clearance) , removing "fire fuel" from around buildings - things like dry leaves in gutters and piles of gardening rubbish - knowing where you water source is and how you plan to evacuate.
"It's just about getting people in the valley switched on to that and thinking about things they can do," said Phillipps.
Nick Fry from FENZ agrees and the organisation is encouraging everyone to have a plan and be aware of their situation.
"First of all you need to identify the risk associated with your property, everybody's risk is different," said Fry.
For example, the Aniseed Valley can attract 600 car loads of visitors a day in summer, adding to concerns about fire risks because 98 percent of wilfdfres in New Zealand are caused by people.
"A hot exhaust pipe on long dry grass on the edge of road... it doesn't take much to start a fire," said Phillipps.
Which is why authorities are urging everyone to be prepared for the worst.
"People really need to plan ahead and think about what you can do if you can't get out," said Fry.
