Late summer brings heightened fire risk

With summer finally arriving in February and March with hot temperatures and drying conditions throughout most of Canterbury, the rural fire risk has raised significantly.

Earlier rainfall throughout the region led to a very good growing season with excess vegetation now drying off and providing an excellent fuel source for fires.

“Right now, everything is drying out and the risk of fires starting and becoming large fire is very high. We are asking Cantabrians to take special care during this time to ensure they do not inadvertently start a fire,” says Tony Teeling, spokesperson for the Canterbury Rural Fire Coordinating Committee.

Central and Southern areas of the high country and parts of Banks Peninsula are presently in Total Fire Ban. In these areas no fires in the open air are allowed. This includes the likes of fireworks and flying lanterns as well a solid fuel cooking appliances.

Residents are reminded to:
• Contact your local rural fire authority for information on fire restrictions.
• Take special care with outdoor activities that generate heat or sparks.
• Keep a five to ten-metre space free of combustible material around houses and outbuildings.
• Clean rain gutters and downspouts. Remove dead plants and debris from sections.
• Cut lawns and paddocks around buildings during cooler conditions, and water where permitted.
• Connect a garden hose for immediate use.
• Signpost water supplies and provide clear access routes.
• Prepare a home inventory, and collect important documents in a safe place.
• Make an escape plan.
• Evacuate immediately if instructed by authorities.

Farmers are asked to take special care as harvesting in rural areas is currently in full swing. Tips for farmers:
• Clear out any bird nests or debris from equipment prior to use.
• Those farmers operating harvesting machinery in dry conditions should have fire extinguishers on hand at all times.
• If farmers are burning off crop residues, follow the rules set out by the rural fire authority.
• Before burning, check the weather forecast and be aware of changes in wind conditions.

Fire restrictions are now in force throughout most of the Canterbury region and fires may not be lit in the open without a permit. In some area there are exceptions to this: burning of crop residues subject to specific rules (check with the local rural fire authority). Barbeques and hangis are subject to special conditions and must be in areas with a high-pressure water supply.

Fire permits are considered on a case-by-case basis by the local rural fire authority, usually at the city or district council. The Department of Conservation has fire restrictions on its land all year round and a fire permit is always required.