27 November 2015

Take care with open air fires this summer

As El Nino conditions promise a windier, drier summer, Auckland Council has declared a restricted fire season for Auckland mainland from 1 December 2015, and a total fire ban for all of the Hauraki Gulf islands.

The restriction will see mandatory permits required for all outdoor fires in the rural areas of the mainland of Auckland for all fires in the open air including those used for cooking and heating.

“This season will be very windy, and in light of the recent fires in the South Island, we urge all residents to please ‘check it’s alright before you light’,” says Auckland Council Principal Rural Fire Officer Bryan Cartelle.

“To assist residents, new fire season signs have been placed in Huia, Waiuku, Kumeu, Silverdale, Warkworth and Welsford to display the fire season status in that area.”

Council-issued fire permits are available free of charge and residents can seek free and professional fire management advice and information by calling Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or visiting www.aucklandcouncil/ruralfire.govt.nz or the Auckland Rural Fire’s newly launched Facebook page.

Residents should report suspicious fires immediately by calling the fire service on 111.

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