The Puaikura Volunteer Fire Brigade, Teimurimotia Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Airport Rescue Fire were kept busy over the weekend on Saturday responding to three fires fuelled by the wind.

Both volunteer brigades and Airport Fire responded to the first fire in Panama, which had started from a rubbish heap and spread to a nearby shed.

Teimurimotia fire chief Alistair Macquarie said that when they arrived, Airport Fire Service had already managed to put out the fire.

Another shed fire in Nikao on the same afternoon was also caused by a rubbish fire lit nearby, which had spread in the windy weather.

On his way to dinner for visiting New Zealand firefighters that evening, Macquarie had to change plans to attend a rubbish fire in the Muri area inland.

This fire was “not out of control,” said Macquarie. There were banana trees nearby that could have caught alight, so the decision was made to hose down the banana trees and put out the fire.

Macquarie said that people need to be aware of the windy, dry weather and be mindful when lighting their rubbish fires.

The embers from these fires can be spread by the wind and threaten homes, sheds, and neighbouring properties, he said.