Restricted Fire Season Returns But Fire Risk Still High
After much needed rainfall Franklin District Council, as the Fire Authority for the Franklin District, has announced the District will return to a Restricted Fire Season on 6th March. However, the Council stresses that the risks associated with fire are still high and people must have a permit for all fires.
The Restricted Fire Season comes after the fire risk became so great that the District had a ban on all fires for the last month.
“Some places in the District are still very dry however the general fire risk has lowered enough for each fire to be assessed individually, which the Restricted Fire Season allows. If everyone uses their common sense and follows the conditions of the permit the fire risk can be managed,” says Andrew Baker, Franklin District Council’s Principal Rural Fire Officer
The Restricted Fire Season will remain in place until further notice. The restrictions make it an offence to light, cause or allow a fire to be lit in the open air without a permit. Council advises that you only light a fire after first contacting Council and applying for a fire permit. Permits are free but will not be issued for open fires in urban areas.
Although fire services did have to deal with a few people who chose to ignore the fire risk and break the law during the Prohibited Fire Season, for the most part Franklin District Council was pleased with the level of compliance.
“Thank you to everyone who complied with the Prohibited Fire Season and recognised the danger of fire in such dry conditions. If you need to have a fire please contact Council to apply for a permit and we’ll be able to discuss the application with you,” says Andrew.
Following the conditions of your permit and being responsible are necessities when burning a fire at anytime. During the restricted fire season anyone who lights a fire and does not have a permit will have their fire extinguished and may be asked to pay the costs or in extreme cases face prosecution.
Exceptions to the restrictions are:
Traditional cooking fires on private property that are continually monitored and conducted in a safe & considerate manner.
Fires within enclosed incinerators or drums complete with a lid (these must be of a standard to prevent the spread of hot embers or ash).
Open air cooking in public places using gas fired cooking devices.
Anyone wishing to use fire to clear land during the restricted time must have an approved fire plan. For other open air fires apply for a permit by visiting Council or online at www.franklin.govt.nz