Total fire ban still on

A TOTAL fire ban remains in place across the Manawatu District as fire danger levels continue to hover from high to extreme.


Principal Rural Fire Officer, Tony Groome, said the prohibited fire season, declared on February 9, would be reviewed on Monday, February 25.


The ban also applies to the surrounding districts of Palmerston North, Rangitikei, Horowhenua, Wanganui and Ruapehu.


“The recent rain has had some effect, but not enough for the various rural fire authorities to consider taking the restrictions off,” said Mr Groome. “We would like to see some more significant rain.”


About 40mils of rain had been recorded in Apiti over a four-day period, but nowhere near that total in the Himatangi Beach area.


“There is general concern that by lifting any restriction we could end up with some problems,” he said.


A prohibited season meant the lighting of all fires in the open was now banned, with the exception of barbecues in properly constructed containers and fuelled with gas.