Fire bans in place despite rain

A restricted fire season remains in place in the Waitaki, in spite of heavy falls in recent rain events.

Waitaki District Council (WDC) emergency services manager Chris Raine said the restricted fire season means landowners need fire permits to burn.

"There are some conditions where they are not required, but permit applicants and holders should check what these are," Mr Raine said.

"Permit holders must comply with the conditions stated on their permits which must also be counter-signed by the permit holder.

"A rural fire officer or member of the New Zealand Police can ask to see a permit at any time."

Mr Raine reminded permit holders that they should carry their permits when they burn.

"Any fire which is assessed of being in breach of the conditions of the permit, will be extinguished and the costs may be passed on," he said.

The Waitaki District also experienced a spectacular electrical storm on Wednesday night.

"There were two small fire outbreaks in South Canterbury, but Waitaki escaped unscathed," he said.

Although the bulk of the bad weather has abated, Mr Raine said the amount of water yet to come down the Waitaki Valley may pose a few problems.

"The hydro lakes are full and spilling, and the flow on the Waitaki River is between 1000 and 1200 cumecs," he said.

"Recreationalists and other users of the riverbed need to be wary of higher flows and changing river patterns. Landowners adjacent to the river should also monitor their own situations closely and look for changes in river conditions in the next few days."