Farmers Advised to Plan & Take Care with Burn-Offs

Ruapehu Principal Rural Fire Officer Nick Watson is appealing to rural workers undertaking burn-offs to take all possible precautions following two fire fatalities on farms this year.

“Nationally there have been two fire fatalities from burn-offs that have gone wrong in the last four months,” he said.

“With summer upon us many farmers will want to undertake controlled burn-offs as vegetation dries out or to prepare for sowing.”

“For many rural workers using fire is a routine activity and as such it is vital that people do not get complacent about the dangers involved.”

No fire should be started without a proper fire plan that addresses issues such as having escape pathways and how communication will occur around the noisy fire environment.

Mr Watson said that Rural Fire provides free fire safety advice including free on site fire safety inspections

“We have an excellent range of fire safety brochures or alternatively people can contact Ruapehu District Council (RDC) to organise an on-site pre-burn visit.

“Fire safety brochures can be picked-up from any RDC office or if people can call customer services and we can send copies out to them

Mr Watson added that Ruapehu District Council emergency services are available 24/7 over the Christmas and New Year period even if the offices are closed.

“Anyone noting anything unusual or of possible threat to public safety around rural fire, civil defence, roading or other council responsibilities should call it in to 07 895 8188.”

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