Fire out, but hot spots still present

A helicopter flight using a thermal imaging camera has identified 21 hot spots in the fire-ravaged area south of Whitianga.

A fire crew is on site working to put out the hot spots.

"Rural Fire will continue to monitor for at least the next 2 weeks to make sure there is no possibility of re-ignition," says Principal Rural Fire Officer, Paul Shaw.

Mayoral Fire Relief Fund:

A mayoral fund has been set up for anyone wanting to donate money to help those affected by the large bushfire south of Whitianga last week.

The Mayoral fund will be specifically for real needs not already addressed by other support services.

The account number for donations - 01 0455 0090620 01

If you were affected by the fire and require any assistance, please contact Whitianga Social Services on 07 866 4476.

Total fire ban extended until further notice

In the interests of public safety, and due to the ‘very dry’ conditions prevailing at this time with no significant rain forecast in the foreseeable future, the undersigned Rural Fire Authorities extend the ‘Total Fire Ban’ until further notice.

The Fire Ban covers all lands within the Thames-Coromandel & Hauraki District Council areas including Department of Conservation Lands and the Forest areas owned by Ernslaw One, Matariki Forests and CFG NZ Company Ltd.

The ‘Fire Ban’ includes land clearing fires, rubbish fires, beach fires, domestic fireworks, sky lanterns, braziers, open top non-type approved incinerators, traditional cooking and hangi fires.

The Fire Ban does not include gas fuelled cookers or gas fuelled BBQs in a public place or on private land providing weather conditions are favourable, they are operated by an adult and they are used in a safe considerate manner.

The Fire Ban does not include the following ‘open air fires’ on private land providing weather conditions are favourable, they are operated by an adult in a safe considerate manner and extinguished before being left unattended:

• Pre-approved solid fuelled BBQ constructed of non-combustible materials, with a chimney and spark arrestor.

• Pre-approved outside fire place constructed of non-combustible materials with chimney and spark arrestor.

• Pre-approved pizza oven constructed of non-combustible materials with chimney and spark arrestor.

• Within TCDC Urban areas compliant Open Fires and Pizza ovens that meet the requirements in schedule 1 of the TCDC Fires in the Open Bylaw.

Fire Authorities may consider fire permit applications for ‘cooking & hangi fires’ for Community and Cultural events on private land, however each application will be considered on its merits. For enquiries contact your local Council or Department of Conservation Office.

Matamata Piako District:

For the remainder of the Fire District, namely Matamata Piako District Council area including Department of Conservation lands will remain in a ‘Restricted Fire Season’. This means you need a ‘fire permit’ from Council or Department of Conservation for a fire in the ‘Open Air.’ (If a permit is issued, it will be subject to conditions and may be withdrawn at any time subject to ‘Fire Weather Indices’ readings prevailing at the time.)

Fire permits for land clearing and large woodlots will not be considered at this time of elevated ‘Fire Danger’. Farmers and lifestyle property owners are requested to wait until the end of summer when fire danger readings return to an acceptable level.

Special Note:

Pursuant to Section 43 of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977 any person lighting a fire in the ‘open air’ is liable for all suppression costs should the fire escape. A fire permit does not indemnify the permit holder from any liability for costs or damages caused by the fire.

District Fire Officers wish to thank all residents and visitors to the area for their patience and understanding.

Check out our website www.tcdc.govt.nz/fire and follow us on Facebook for regular updates and further information.

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