Reminder of fire restrictions for Christchurch City

Thursday 23 January 2013

Reminder of fire restrictions for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula

With the dry summer season upon us, the Rural Fire team at Christchurch City Council want to remind all residents of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula of the fire restrictions in place since 23 December 2013.

A fire this week at Bottle Lake Forest in Christchurch has highlighted the dry conditions and served as a safety reminder to all about the significant risk posed to the community by flammable items such as dry grass and timber.

Under the Urban Fire Safety Bylaw for the Urban Fire District (city and townships), there is a total ban of outdoor fires (with the exception of barbeques and hāngi).

At the same time, anyone in the Rural Fire District who wants to light a fire outdoors must get a permit. Permits are not needed for barbeques on properties serviced by a domestic water supply. Rural Fire Permits can be obtained by contacting the Council Customer Call Centre where Council Rural Fire Officers will be available to discuss requests.

Manager of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Murray Sinclair says, “Throughout summer the seasonally higher temperatures are likely to see easily flammable items like grass and timber in a dry state and can pose a fire risk. We have the fire restrictions in place with the safety of the public as our priority. Do not start a fire that has the potential to escape, for instance in hot windy conditions. If you see unexplained smoke, please alert the emergency services by dialling 111.

“Council Rural Fire Officers are available to issue permits and requests can be made through the Council Call Centre. We want to remind the public of the need to exercise care during the summer period when the fire risk is high. Those starting fires can face penalties and cost recoveries for fire fighting.”

For further information contact the Council Customer Call Centre on 941 8999 or FREE PHONE 0800 800 169, or visit our website www.ccc.govt.nz

– Ends –

© Scoop Media