Limited fire permits issued

FIRE permits are being issued on a strictly limited basis as fire danger levels in Manawatu District and adjoining regions continue to cause concern.


A restricted fire season is currently in force throughout the district until significant rainfall is recorded.


Principal Rural Fire Officer, Tony Groome, said no rainfall of any note had fallen in the past week and most parts of Manawatu were still “extremely dry”.


“Each application for a permit is being assessed on a case-by-case basis and a number have had to be turned down.”


He said permits were not being issued for fires that could cause a smoke nuisance, were in a hazardous environment and likely to spread and would take a long time to burn.


“If these weather and underfoot conditions continue, we may have to stop issuing permits altogether.”


A number of roadside fires had been recorded during the week, due to discarded cigarette butts and power lines near vegetation.


Mr Groome said any person wanting to apply for a free permit was asked to contact the Manawatu District Council on (06) 323-0000 and leave details with the call centre staff.