SO... We asked Chat  GPT - "What are the percentages of different causes of wildfire starting in New Zealand"?

ANSWER - Wildfires in New Zealand are caused by a variety of factors, both human-induced and natural. While specific percentages can vary year by year, general trends highlight the primary causes. Here's a typical breakdown based on data from recent years:

Human-Related Causes (About 99%)

1. Deliberate/Arson (40-50%):
2. Recreational Activities (20-30%):
3. Agricultural Burns/Escape Fires (10-20%):
4. Machinery and Equipment Use (5-10%):
5. Other Negligent Activities (5-10%):
6. Lightning (<1%):
7. Spontaneous Combustion (<1%):

• Intentional setting of fires is a significant cause of wildfires in New Zealand. This could be people playing with matches.

• Campfires, fireworks, and other outdoor activities can spark fires, especially during dry conditions.

• Controlled burns for land clearing or pasture renewal can escape control and turn into wildfires.

• Sparks or heat from equipment like chainsaws, mowers, or vehicles can ignite vegetation.

• Discarded cigarettes or unattended barbecue fires.

Natural Causes (About 1%)

• Natural ignition from lightning strikes is rare in New Zealand compared to other countries.
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• Occasional fires can start due to the buildup of heat in organic material, but this is uncommon.

Regional and Seasonal Variability

• Causes and proportions can vary depending on the region and the season. For example, the drier eastern regions of the North and South Islands (e.g., Canterbury, Hawke's Bay) are more prone to agricultural burns escaping during summer.

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