Firefighters in the Hurunui district concerned at unnecessary callouts are urging landholders to let them know when a controlled burn is about to take place.
The district's principal rural fire officer, Allan Grigg, says there have been between three and seven unnecessary callouts a week since the current open-fire season began.
People see fires from the road and call the Fire Service, not realising it is a controlled burn.
Mr Grigg says up to 60 hours a week can be wasted on callouts to such burns - time that could be saved if prior notification is given.
