Fire Vigilance Urged In Rural Areas

The announcement that fire danger is starting to climb in parts of the South Island is a timely reminder for both farmers and holidaymakers says Federated Farmer's Rural Fire spokesman John Aspinall.

"Many areas of New Zealand have experienced good growth during December so there is plenty of grass around. A carelessly discarded cigarette or a campfire not properly extinguished has the potential to devastate farmland and native bush.

"The 2000 Boxing Day fires in Marlborough destroyed 6,800 hectares of farm land which is still recovering two years on.

"The Marlborough fires showed how devastating fires can be. All New Zealanders must be vigilant with regard to fire at this time of the year, whether they're in town, at the beach or in rural areas," said Mr Aspinall.

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