What started out as a couple of rubbish fires soon got out of control. Ten volunteer firefighters were tied up for more than an hour trying to get the blaze under control in Tupapa yesterday.

Puaikura Fire Brigade chief officer Jason Moorfield said the fire, near the Tupapa water intake, was called in about 1.28pm.

The blaze was described as 160 square metres in size in an open field which was “really dry”.

Two tankers with pumps from Puaikura were assisted by a tanker from Takitumu.

Moorfield said he was unsure how much water was used to extinguish the blaze, but each truck carried about 3000 litres.

He says conditions are starting to get “really dry” on Rarotonga and there is potential for more fire call outs if rain doesn’t arrive soon.

“Be careful burning rubbish, make sure there is water on hand.”

Moorfield said it was also noted two rubbish fires had been lit out in an open field while they were usually lit under trees.