Media release

29 January 2013

Fire danger extreme

Hot dry weather will bring extreme fire danger over the next few days meaning that one careless act could spark a devastating blaze warns Department of Conservation (DOC) fire officer Tony Teeling.

“Our beautiful summer weather is pushing the risk of fire into the extreme meaning fires will start easily and they will spread fast,” says Teeling.

“DOC asks that people do not light fires at all over the next few days while temperatures soar and humidity plummets.

“In addition avoid driving off-road, hot outdoor work such as grinding and welding, and use of motorised equipment including mowers, chainsaws and scrub bars.

“In situations where people have already lit fires, please return to the old fire site to confirm it is totally out.

“Back country users need to take extreme care with all cooking devices, ensuring they are in an area clear of vegetation and cannot easily be upset.”

Within Canterbury there are areas of total fire ban and other areas where restrictions apply. People are advised to contact their local rural fire authority for further information on activities that may cause fire.

DOC staff have already been called out to over 50 fires in Canterbury this season, and remain on high alert.

ENDS

Background information

Under the Forest and Rural Fires Act, DOC is the Rural Fire Authority responsible for preventing and controlling fire on public conservation land, all unoccupied crown land and within one kilometre of these lands.

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