All active fire permits have been suspended in the
Kaipara District since Saturday until further
notice.
Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer Michael
Champtaloup says this situation may change given today’s
rainfall and he will let people know if it does.
"We
have experienced an increase in the number of large
uncontrolled fires over the last few weeks, due to very dry
soil conditions," he says.
"Despite the recent
rainfall, soil moisture has been drier than the historical
average. We are experiencing what is being called a "green
drought" meaning the vegetation has a superficial appearance
of green but underneath is dry and very flammable," says
Michael Champtaloup.
Mr Champtaloup says the
suspension will remain in place unless the current wet
conditions significantly lower the fire danger.
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