A firetruck is seen as a bushfire approaches the town of Labertouche, 90km (56 miles) east of Melbourne, February 7, 2009.
A firetruck is seen as a bushfire approaches the town of Labertouche, 90km (56 miles) east of Melbourne, February 7, 2009. Aircraft dropped water bombs on raging Australian bush fires and homes went up in flames on Saturday as a once-in-a-century heatwave sent temperatures in Melbourne to their highest on record. Australian bush fires killed 14 people in the southern state of Victoria on Saturday, police and local media said. Reuters/Mick Tsikas

As the fires in Australia rage due to extremely dry weather conditions, New Zealand firefighters are on alert. Fire authorities issued fire bans for Central Otago and some parts of Canterbury.

Radio NZ reported that the fire danger on the east coast is being assessed as fire officers in Central Otago and Hauraki District are on standby. Kevin O'Connor, National Rural fire officer, said dry conditions in some parts of New Zealand mean fires can start from simple things. He cited examples on how things like a lawnmower can start a fire with a spark. Most of the rural fire districts are currently in a restricted fire season. Those who want to light an open fire will have to secure a permit first.

Since the bushfires have started in Australia, New Zealand firefighters have been standing by to assist their Australian counterparts. Principal Rural Fire Officer Kevin Ihaka has previously assisted in fighting fires in Australia. He said he understands how bushfires can be dangerous, 3News reported.

Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to the public for any information regarding the whereabouts of the person responsible for the suspicious fires in the Canterbury district of Waimakariri in the last three months. The same person may have been involved in the fire at a pine plantation, resulting in the evacuation of residents in 40 homes.

Tim Sheppard, the principal rural fire officer in Waimakariri, said authorities have been seeing fires in the same pattern. He urged people to be vigilant and watch for vehicles in odd places. The Fire Service had previously described the fire blazing in a pine plantation as suspicious. Sheppard said the fire might have caused more damage if it was left alone for a time.

Total fire bans have been imposed in large parts of New Zealand because of possible fires that might be worsened by hot and dry weather. Jamie Cowan, Otago deputy principal rural fire officer, said that the people should have learned their lesson after firefighters dealt with 25 fires in Otago in 10 days.

Contact email: r.su@ibtimes.com.au