Total Fire Ban For Canterbury Region

A total fire ban has been declared by the National Rural Fire Officer across Canterbury for the next 48 hours taking effect from midday today.

The forecast is for high winds and low humidity in many areas and with the commitment by Rural Fire Authorities in the Canterbury region to the Christchurch quake rescue and recovery role, every effort is being made to mitigate against any uncontrolled wildfires in the forest and rural areas of Canterbury over the next two days.

The National Rural Fire Officer says the fire ban is necessary because of the projected elevated fire danger for the 1st March.

National Rural Fire Officer Murray Dudfield says any fires started in such tinder dry conditions have the potential to get out of control.

"If you notice any suspicious fires call 111."

A 48 hour fire ban from mid day today will exist in the following areas:

South Canterbury Rural Fire District

Ashley Rural Fire District

Hurunui District Council

Waimakariri District Council

Selwyn District Council

Ashburton District Council

Christchurch City Council

All Department of Conservation areas contained within these areas

This is a timely reminder to the public that in these areas conditions are significantly dry, that any fires that are lit or start in these strong wind conditions have the potential to get out of control.

The public are reminded all fires are prohibited in these areas.

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