Rain lessens fire danger levels

STEADY rain in parts of the Manawatu District over the past few days has eased fire danger levels and there is a possibility the restricted fire ban may be lifted later this week.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Tony Groome, said the situation was being assessed daily and a decision on whether to return to an open season would most probably be made by the weekend.

He said a considerable amount of rain had fallen in the southern part of the district, with up to 40mils recorded over a three-day period, but there had been little in the north, with only about 15mils being registered.

“We need to err on the side of caution, because all that’s needed is for two days of dry weather to suck that moisture out of the ground.”

A restricted fire season for the district and neighbouring regions had been in place since March 7.