District Council Media Statement

Restricted fire season announced

A Restricted Fire Season has been put in place covering all of Marlborough so a permit is required to light a fire in the open.

Marlborough has had plenty of spring rain this year so the grass growth – and fire risk – is rising with the temperatures.

Marlborough Kaikoura Principal Rural Fire Officer Richard McNamara says that grass growth will create a big fuel load very easily set off by a careless cigarette butt or a spark from a rubbish fire.

“NIWA is predicting a warmer than usual season and the fire risk will rise fast so we’re asking everyone to play by the rules; observe the bans, get the permits and take extreme care especially when it’s windy. Our volunteer crews have been working hard thanks to the earthquake and the last thing they need is a big fire started by thoughtless behaviour,” he said

Permits are not required for gas-fired barbecues, approved incinerators incorporating a chimney and spark arrestor, pizza ovens or any unit that has a fully enclosed firebox and braziers, or barbecues with a tray to catch falling embers.

But Mr McNamara says anyone using fires in any of these situations is still responsible for its control and must ensure it doesn’t spread.

A permit is not a legal defence against claims for fire damages and fire fighting costs – which can run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said.

Regardless of a permit, outside fires should never be lit when a gusty Marlborough nor-wester is blowing.

To get a fire permit, apply online at www.mkrfa.com or contact the District Council or the Rural Fire Officer, Phone 520 7400.

ENDS.

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