Restricted fire season declared for Manawatu

A RESTRICTED fire season for the Manawatu District was to be declared at midnight tonight (Wednesday, February 11) because of continuing dry conditions and a long-range forecast predicting a lengthy spell of fine weather.

Principal Rural Fire Officer, Tony Groome, said the declaration also covered the Palmerston North, Rangitikei and Horowhenua Districts and would remain in force until further notice.

The declaration means that anyone intending to light a fire in the open now requires a permit, which is free and available from local authorities.
“The recent rain is not likely to alleviate the situation,” said Mr Groome, “and we are looking at the bigger picture rather than the day-to-day situation.”
He said a dry spell for Manawatu and surrounding districts was predicted and likely to last a number of weeks.

“We intend monitoring the situation on a weekly basis and the declaration will remain until we have significant rain.”

Mr Groome requested property owners seeking permits to be aware that councils needed sufficient time to process the application and carry out a mandatory site inspection.
A restricted season for Manawatu was last declared on December 16, 2007, but as the fire danger levels started to worsen, a total ban on all fires was then imposed on February 10 last year. This was downgraded back to restricted on March 6 and remained in place until early April.