Total fire ban declared

Outdoor fires are to be banned until further notice from 5pm on Friday 29 February, as Hastings and Napier move to a total fire ban.

New Zealand Fire Service and Rural Fire Authority Fire Crews are anxiously watching the weather forecast and hoping for a significant amount of rain to help relieve extreme fire conditions on the plains and coastal areas.

Paul Hawke, Deputy Principal Rural Fire Officer for Hastings District Council, said that continuing dry conditions and recent strong winds in many areas has increased the risk of fire rapidly spreading.

“Lighting fires outdoors is no longer permitted. This includes incinerators and rubbish fires in urban areas. Last year, the fire ban lasted for three months. People need to be patient and should talk to Council Waste Minimisation Officers about other options if they need to dispose of rubbish,” said Mr Hawke.

The ban carries substantial fines for anyone breaching it. Fire danger conditions are being reviewed daily but it will take a substantial amount of continued rain fall to alter the present fire danger conditions.

Fire enquiries should be directed to the Hastings District Council Emergency Management Office on 06 878 0500.