Questions are being asked about why a vintage steam train was allowed on a run through tinder dry Otago.

Embers from the engine caused kilometres of spot fires to flare up, as the train made its way back to Dunedin from a trip to Oamaru.

Local man Stephen says the line of fires along the tracks were a sight to behold.

He says it’s surprising because there’s a complete fire ban in the region.

– Newstalk ZB