Prosecutions likely for lighting fires

Six people who deliberately ignored the current fire ban could soon find themselves facing a judge.

Western Bay Moana Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Barry Low said he was closely reviewing six fires, lit despite the fire ban, to determine whether to prosecute.

"These are all deliberate breaches," he said. "If you deliberately flout a total fire ban you could be liable for a fine of up to $2000."

The penalty could also include up to six months in prison.

Mr Low said anyone willing to flout the law should be willing to face the consequences.

"The fire ban is there for a reason. It's there to limit the risk of fires," he said.

Last night's rain was welcome but was not enough, he said.

"The 10mm of rain has settled the dust a little but we will certainly need a lot more. There's still a total fire ban."

Most people had been well behaved and taken note of the ban, he said.