Prohibited fire season

A prohibited fire season will be introduced through the rural areas of Palmerston North from Saturday, February 9, as fire hazard ratings climb to extreme levels.


Principal Rural Fire Officer, Matthew Smith, says prohibited fire seasons will also come into force in Manawatu District and the Horowhenua District as well.


The Wanganui, Ruapehu and Rangitikei districts have already declared prohibited seasons.


Matthew says recent incidents such as sparks from a train that started fires on both sides of the Manawatu River rail bridge along with inconsiderate people throwing cigarettes from cars into road side vegetation have caused increasing fire call outs in the area.


The dry conditions and high winds across the region over recent weeks have had all fire resources in the area on the go around the clock.


“People don’t seem to realise just how dry the conditions are and how fast fire can spread,” Matthew says. “We haven’t had significant rain for weeks and, until we get a period of prolonged rain, the prohibited fire season will stay in place.”


A prohibited season bans the lighting of all fires in the open with the exception of barbecues in properly constructed containers and fuelled with gas.


Matthew Smith says residents need to be aware that if anyone lights a fire during a prohibited season, the full costs of extinguishing the blaze could be charged to the property owner or person responsible.


Permits are required for all fires in the urban areas of the city. People are requested to contact City Contact on 06-356-8199 for a permit.


The City Council’s Water and Waste Services Manager, Chris Pepper, is encouraging people to be responsible when using water.


While he says the level of the Turitea Dam remains high, people should hose in the morning or at night on alternative days.