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Media Release

15 May 2012

Hawke’s Bay people reminded about outdoor fire ban

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is reminding people about the ban on outdoor fires in place in parts of the region throughout the winter months.

Outdoor fires are prohibited in the Napier and Hastings air sheds between May and August each year, as part of the air quality rule changes brought in by HBRC three years ago, with the aim of meeting national air quality standards set by the Government.

HBRC Team Leader - Pollution Response & Enforcement, Wayne Wright says the Napier and Hastings airsheds include the townships of Napier, Hastings, Taradale, Jervoistown, Clive, Flaxmere, Havelock North, Clive and some surrounding areas.

He says HBRC has had a number of calls from residents concerned about outdoor fires in the region, so it is timely to remind people of the winter restrictions.

He says if people have a legitimate reason to have an outdoor fire they can apply to HBRC for a resource consent.

Anyone concerned about an outdoor fire in an urban area should initially talk with their neighbour or contact their local City or District Council if the fire is causing a nuisance. For fires in industrial or rural areas people should contact HBRC’s Pollution Hotline on 0800 108 838.

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