Fire risk

In the drought of 1997/98 fires covering more than 1000 hectares were fought by the East Coast rural fire brigades.

This year’s summer weather is forecast to match those levels, but it is hoped care and vigilance will mean the region does not suffer the same incidences of fire.

Eastern Regional Rural Fire Committee chairman Trevor Mitchell is warning residents that extra care will be needed as the hottest summer since 1997/98 is forecast.

That season was really rough, he said.

In the Eastern Region 1040 hectares was burnt – half of it in two large scrub fires.

Last summer season, just 73 hectares was burnt.

That reflected the difference in weather, but also that people have become more careful and vigilant, and faster to call emergency services if they see smoke.

The east coast of the South Island has already suffered serious fires in the last week, boosted by dry ground conditions and high winds, and Mr Mitchell is keen to avoid the same type of events here.

And there is not much time to get the fire safety measure across, as the region already starts to dry out.

“The fire season is already upon us,” Mr Mitchell says.

“The spring equinoctial winds are already drying up the recent rain we got in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne.”

There are some simple rules that may help prevent a fire getting out of control: Check with the local fire authority to see if a fire permit is required and ask the Rural Fire Officer for advice on how to burn safely; check the weather forecast and do not light a fire if windy conditions are forecast; do not light a fire that can’t be easily extinguished; do not leave a fire unattended; ensure fires are completely out and cold before they are left; wet down ash; check that insurance covers any mishaps.

“Many of our fires are caused by hot ash from fires burnt hours, days and sometimes weeks and months before. The strong winds stir up the fire and ash is blown into hedges, shelter belts and piles of material, resulting in the loss of buildings and shelter," Mr Mitchell says.

“People who have burnt large piles of slash and orchard waste over the winter are urged to check their burn piles and ensure that they are completely cold, even the ones that they have buried.”

If people see smoke they should call the emergency number 111 immediately, he says.

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