Balanced News: ‘Who knows what the summer is going to bring’: El Niño expected to increase fire risk

Fire and Emergency officials are urging vigilance ahead of a potentially unpredictable summer, following a recent fire in New Zealand’s Port Hills. The blaze has raised concerns about the upcoming El Niño, which is expected to bring drier and windier conditions, increasing the risk of fires. The Port Hills area has been susceptible to fires in recent years, with previous incidents destroying homes and forcing evacuations. Firefighters are urging residents to take precautions such as cutting grass, not stacking firewood against buildings, and checking the weather forecast before burn-offs. The cause of the recent fire is still under investigation.