Number of large rural fires jumps 50 per cent

5 February 2015

The number of large rural fires has risen by 50 per cent on last year as dry conditions continue throughout much of the country.

The National Rural Fire Authority’s National Rural Fire Officer, Kevin O’Connor, said there had been 130 large-scale fires between October 1 and January 31 – compared with 87 in the same period a year earlier.

“The hot, dry conditions are beginning to bite, and we are urging people to be especially careful and respect any fire restrictions.”

Mr O’Connor said the authority was dealing with the higher workload by redeploying some of the country’s forestry and rural firefighters from lower-risk areas.

He said there had been sharp spikes in November, when 39 fires had been reported, compared with 15 a year earlier, and also in January, when there were 53, compared with 37 previously.

Large fires are those that generally take more than a day to put out or involve help from outside agencies, such as urban firefighters or the Department of Conservation.

In the last fire season – from October 1 to March 31 – there had been 176 fires, and Mr O’Connor said it was highly likely this year’s total would easily exceed that figure.

“The weather conditions are not helping matters, but the fact remains most fires are started by people.

“Forty per cent of all rural fires are started by land clearance fires, rubbish fires or campfires that get out of control. Another 20 per cent are caused by vehicles and machinery. In all these cases, simple precautions can avoid endangering life and property.”

ENDS

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