Dunedin's annual Chinese New Year fireworks display has been extinguished by the current fire ban.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
This Friday's fireworks display would be replaced with a light and sound show.
The council said the fire ban, which has been in place for Otago and Southland since last month due to extremely dry weather, was there to protect people and property and it was important the council avoided creating any fire risks.
Fears of a widespread drought are rising as saturated soils are now drying out fast in unusually warm weather.
Fire and Emergency will impose a total fire ban right across Otago from midnight tonight, as warm weather continues to affect the lower South Island.
Super dry conditions across the country have sparked calls for greater water conservation efforts, as the summer continues to heat up.
Retailers in Invercargill are running short of fans and swimming pools after being hit by record setting temperatures.
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