MEDIA RELEASE

8 March 2011

Total Fire Ban Extended Following Earthquake


A total ban on the lighting of fires anywhere in the Hurunui District has been further extended in the wake of February’s earthquake.

The ban was originally imposed by the National Rural Fire Officer a week ago (3 March 2011) because of concerns over weather conditions.

The Hurunui District Council is now implementing a Total Fire Prohibition from 5am Wednesday 9th March 2011.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Allan Grigg, says the extension reflects a diminished fire fighting capacity in the district.

“While weather is not currently an issue, local crews from both Rural Fire and NZ Fire Service have been putting in long hours over many days supporting the earthquake response in Christchurch.

“We need to do all we can to take as much pressure off them as possible by minimising any wildfire risk within the district.”

Allan Grigg says while our district was lucky to escape any significant damage from the earthquake, we cannot help but be impacted by an event so close to us – and this is one of the consequences.

“I know many in our district, including many from within our farming community, have willingly given of their time and resources to help Christchurch in its hour of need.

“I know farmers will now be wanting to manage their land ready for planting but I would ask them to please be patient.

“The fire ban allows our fire crews to continue to be where they are most needed. It is yet another way our district can truly support the quake recovery effort.”

The ban will be reviewed by Wednesday 16th March 2011.

No fires can be lit in the open air during the ban without a “special permit” which is only issued in order to prevent, reduce or overcome any hazard to life or health or in other serious emergency.

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