Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Restricted Fire Season for the Waikato
14 January 2013
Restricted Fire Season for the Waikato
A restricted fire season will be introduced for the rural areas of the Waikato district from Thursday 17 January 2013. Restrictions already exist within urban areas and areas managed by the Department of Conservation.
A restricted fire season requires permits to be obtained from the Waikato District Council for all fires in the open air with the exception of barbecues, hangis, brazier type fires and fires within a properly constructed incinerator fitted with a lid or mesh spark arrestor to stop embers.
Applications for permits can be made by contacting one of the Waikato District Council offices.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Andy Baker said the introduction of the restricted fire season is the result of the climatic conditions, with little rain and high temperatures contributing to a rapid increase in fire weather danger levels.
“Currently we are particularly concerned about the strong winds which can make fire behaviour extremely unpredictable.
“An open fire season has been in place for some months and we hope those needing to burn large piles have done so in that period, removing the need to burn now when the fire danger is higher.
“The main concern is the risk of fires spreading which is heightened by the dry condition of fuels and strong wind. In areas of peat soils, fires can become deep seated and difficult to extinguish,” he said.
Mr Baker said people
must light fires in a responsible manner, ensuring they are
safe, will not spread or cause any smoke nuisance to
neighbours or nearby road users. He recommends:
• Have
water available
• Monitor the fire
• Be sure it is
out
• Don’t leave the fire to burn
overnight
Suppression and other costs may be borne by the person responsible for lighting a fire or the landowner so care must be taken.
ENDS
Waikato District Health Board
Healthy People. Excellent Care
Waikato District Health Board (DHB) employs over 6500 people and plans, funds and provides hospital and health services to more than 391,770 people in a region covering eight per cent of New Zealand.
Gordon Campbell: On When Racism Comes Disguised As Anti-racism
Brendon McMahon - Local Democracy Reporter: West Coast Swim Spot Testing Clear Of E-coli
Green Party: Government Throws Coal On The Climate Crisis Fire
Labour Party: Public Transport Costs To Double As National Looks At Unaffordable Roading Project Instead
The Treasury: New Paper On A Framework For Assessing The Economic And Fiscal Impacts Of Climate Change
Government: Pet Bonds A Win/Win For Renters And Landlords
Government: New Zealand Condemns Iranian Strikes
