22 March 2013

Auckland fire ban remains in place despite recent rain

Although parts of Auckland have experienced rain on and off this week, the region-wide fire ban remains firmly in place.

“The rainfall experienced has done little to decrease the region’s fire risk,” says Principal Rural Fire Officer, Bryan Cartelle. “The rain has been isolated, patchy and too light to have any real impact to lessen the risk of fire in the region.”

Auckland has witnessed first-hand the frightening consequences that can come from a dry and hot summer and the fire ban remains in place to help prevent further fires from starting.

“We are certainly not yet in a position to lift the fire ban; weather forecasts for the next 10 days have only indicated possible rain on one day. Aucklanders and visitors to the region need to keep taking extra precautions while we continue to face heightened fire danger.”

Solid fuel (coal and wood) barbeques and retail type fireworks remain banned at all beaches, parks and reserves. Anyone using bbqs at home should take extra care especially around grass, shrubs and trees that remain very dry.

The fire ban includes Great Barrier, Kawau, Waiheke, and all other Hauraki Gulf Islands, as well as Auckland’s urban areas, which are serviced by the New Zealand Fire Service.

For further information, including any queries regarding fire permits, please visit the rural fires page on our website or call Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 to speak to one of the rural fire team.

Anyone who sees a fire or suspicious smoke should call the fire service immediately on 111.

The fire ban cancels all existing fire permits and will remain until the fire danger is no longer classed as elevated. A council notice will advise when the classification changes.

ENDS

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Scoop Business: Bathurst Gets Nod For DoC Access To Denniston Mine

Conservation Minister Nick Smith has approved access over conservation estate land for Bathurst Resources to develop an open cast coal mine on the Denniston Plateau, above Westport, to the dismay of environmental opponents.

The timing for Smith’s move avoids Bathurst having to resubmit applications for access agreements under the revised Crown Minerals Act, which comes into force tomorrow and would have required public consultation.

The announcement lands in the middle of delicate negotiations between the company, environmental groups and other interested parties that could pave the way to a broader agreement on the Escarpment proposal, whose resource consents are still subject to court appeals. More>>