Insured losses from the New Zealand Lake Ohau fire last month have reached $NZ34.8 million ($33 million), according to preliminary figures.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ) says 154 house and contents claims, 19 business and commercial and 24 vehicle claims have been lodged since the fire, which swept through the Lake Ohau village.

The South Island blaze is the second major fire event in New Zealand since September.

“The impacts of climate change mean we will see more extreme weather [and] we can expect more droughts and more flood events,” CEO Tim Grafton said.

“With areas forecast to be hotter over summer there is an increased risk of fires and we all play a role in reducing this risk.”

ICNZ will release a final figure for the Ohau losses next year.