Plan burn-offs before conditions get too dry

Permits to light fires in the open are currently not generally required in the Far North District but that situation could change at any time, Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston said today.

"With predictions of a long, dry summer and with daylight hours increasing, it is likely restrictions will be imposed as we approach the peak of the summer season. Before conditions get too dry and while an open fire season remains in force, now is a good time to carry out that annual clean-up," he said.

"Even though it's okay to light a fire in the open now, property owners still need to be mindful of wind conditions and use commonsense in making sure the fire site is well clear of other combustible materials.

"A fire that gets out of control can prove very costly to suppress and the costs will be passed on to the property owner responsible. While fire is a legitimate land management tool, there is an obvious need for people to be very careful and use fire sensibly," he said.

Even in an open fire season, property owners in any doubt would be well advised to seek advice from the council as the Rural Fire Authority.

The Open Fire Season applied to all properties within the district with the exception of properties within a kilometre of Department of Conservation land and land within the Aupouri/Karikari Rural Fire District.

"Land adjacent to the DoC estate and within the Aupouri/Karikari Rural Fire District is subject to a permanent restriction on the lighting of fires and permits are required at all times," he said.

The Aupouri/Karikari Rural Fire District encompassed the area north of Awanui on the eastern side of SH10, including the Karikari Peninsula. Permits to light fires in these areas could be obtained from DoC area offices or via the department's webside, or by contacting the Far North District Council on 0800 920 029.

Further inquiries:-

Lance Johnston OR Rick McCall

Principal Rural Fire Officer Communications Officer

PH 0800 920 029