Fire Ban Still Vital Despite Some Rain

Franklin District Council has confirmed that the Prohibited Fire Season is still in place. Some residents have wondered whether the recent rain would have had enough effect to allow the District to return to a Restricted Season.


“Unfortunately the rain has been very localised and has had little or no effect in the driest areas of the District. In fact, some areas have still received little or no rain meaning in many areas of Franklin the fire risk is still acute. In most other areas the risk is still very high,” says Franklin District Council’s Principle Rural Fire Officer, Andrew Baker.


The Fire Season is set at one level for the whole District to ensure it is easy for everyone to understand and to manage. It is not possible to change small parts of the District and not others.


The Prohibited Fire Season has had a positive effect on the fire risk in Franklin with a noticeable decrease in call outs for emergency services.


“Council, as the Fire Authority in Franklin, has the responsibility of reducing the risk of fire to our communities through prohibiting all fires when the risks are high,” says Andrew.


The Prohibited Fire Season remains in force until further notice. Any change in the Fire Season will be widely publicised through local newspapers and Council’s website, www.franklin.govt.nz. However residents should be planning for a continuation of the fire ban.


It is an offence to light fires while the Prohibited Fire Season is in force and any fire, even one that appears to be under control, should be immediately reported to the NZ Fire Service by calling 111. Fires will be extinguished and those responsible for the fires could face charges or be liable for any costs associated with suppressing the fire.