Garden Clean up Recommended to Reduce Fire Hazard

Canterbury's rural fire fighters are calling on residents to carry out a garden and vegetation clean up.

Canterbury Rural Fire Co-ordinating Committee spokesman, Tony Teeling, says the current warm conditions are significantly increasing fire risk throughout the region.

"The warm conditions are certainly a big concern for us and we are asking residents to remove the excess vegetation now. This eliminates possible fuel around homes and properties."

Landowners and residents are advised to clear away all vegetation close to houses and outbuildings, including dead plants and long branches on live trees and shrubs. Long grass should be mowed and empty sections should be cleared.

Mr Teeling said residents should also be mowing their lawns on a regular basis.

Rural Fire Officers are also advising people to reduce the fire risk around their homes by cleaning rain gutters and down pipes and connecting a garden hose for immediate use. In rural areas, water supplies should be sign posted and there should be clear access routes suitable for fire trucks.

Rural landowners and farmers are asked to check on earlier fires or burn-off to ensure they have been put out. Recent strong winds have whipped up earlier fires into life and have threatened to spread into dry grass and shelter belts. Residents need to be aware of forecasted weather conditions prior to lighting fires.

ENDS

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