Date: November 20, 2014

Restricted fire season for Hastings District

Hastings District will move to a restricted fire season on Monday 24th November.

Despite some rain in the past two weeks, the undergrowth in parts of the District is very dry, and there have been a number of potentially serious fires.

Hastings District Council Team Leader Emergency Management Trevor Mitchell “The restricted fire season begins at 8am on Mondaymorning and during this period a permit must be obtained before any fire is lit in the open.”

Trevor Mitchell says “We are now entering a period of higher fire danger and we ask that everyone is extra vigilant when dealing with firesThe forecast for the next 10 days shows a few light showers but it will continue to be mainly dry. Warm, windy weather has the potential to dry out the vegetation and the smallest spark may be enough to cause a major fire.”

“During the restricted fire season, anyone lighting a small fire for traditional cooking or in a container (such as an approved incinerator or brazier), won’t need to obtain a permit unless the fire is set to burn after sunset and before sunrise. These types of fires must be watched closely until they are completely extinguished and must not be lit in windy conditions or close to flammable material or buildings. We encourage the use of gas barbecues or similar outdoor gas appliances,” Trevor Mitchell says.

For advice on lighting fires or to discuss obtaining a permit for a fire in the Hastings District contact (06) 871 5000.

Any sighting of unattended fires should be reported immediately to 111.

Further information on fire restrictions in the Hastings District is available at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/fire-restrictions

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