Open fire season introduced for Waikato district

An open fire season will be introduced for the Waikato district effect from 1 May 2014 until further notice.

A restricted fire season has been in place since for the past month with permits required for any open air fire within rural areas of the Waikato district.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Andy Baker says an open fire season means permits are no longer required unless the fire is within a Department of Conservation area or within a one kilometre safety margin around such an area. He says it’s important for landowners and those lighting fires to be aware that they are responsible for ensuring the fire is safe, controllable and monitored to ensure it doesn’t spread.

“Special attention is required for areas where peat soils exist as these fires can spread undetected and can be extremely difficult to control. We’d encourage residents to use the open season as an opportunity to carry out safe burns reducing the need for fires during summer.”

Residents who have applied for a fire permit over recent weeks will be contacted by Council staff to confirm the new details.

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