6 December 2013

Waikato district in restricted fire season

Waikato District Council has introduced a restricted fire season for all urban and rural areas in the Waikato district from Monday (9December 2013).

A restricted fire season requires permits to be obtained from the Waikato District Council for all fires in the open air with the exception for barbecues, hangis, brazier type fires and fires within a properly constructed incinerator fitted with a lid or mesh spark arrestor to stop embers.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Andy Baker says the introduction of the restrictions is the result of the current climatic conditions and despite recent periods of rain won’t be moved easily.

“The weather has been dry and windy which when combined with rising summer temperatures means fire danger levels are increasing. We’ve had an open fire season in place since May so hopefully residents needing to burn large piles have already done so.

“Our main concern is the risk of fires spreading which is heightened by the dry condition of fuels and strong wind. Of particular concern across Waikato are the areas of peat soils where fires can become deep seated and difficult to extinguish.”

Mr Baker is urging people who need to light fires to do so in a responsible manner, ensuring they are safe, will not spread or cause any smoke nuisance to neighbours or nearby road users.

“Any cost incurred to put fires out may be borne by the person responsible for lighting a fire or the landowner so care must be taken.”

Applications for permits can be made by contacting Waikato District Council.

ENDS

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