Locals reminded to use common sense around fire

Rotorua District Council (RDC) is reminding residents to continue to use common sense around fire as conditions remain ‘extreme’ across the district.

The council advised last month that it was stopping issuing rural fire permits, including extensions, due to the 'extreme' fire conditions.

RDC deputy principal Rural Fire officer, Richard Horn, said the council’s Rural Fire unit has had to attend two rural scrubs in the last two weeks that could have been avoided.

“People incorrectly assume that because we’ve had a little rain and the weather’s cooling down, that the fire risk is low. However, we’re actually still in ‘extreme’ fire conditions so we’re reminding locals to be careful around fire so it doesn’t get out of control.

“Mopping up after a fire is difficult and can be very expensive. We currently have some cost recovery procedures underway which could have easily been avoided if people had followed the instructions on their permits.

“We’re asking residents to remember that a fire permit does not absolve them of their responsibilities, and we’re urging people to take care and use common sense around fire.”

[ENDS]

© Scoop Media