Permits must now be obtained for all fires

From Wednesday 15 December a restricted fire season will be in force for all rural areas of the Waikato District.  Restrictions are already in place within urban areas.  

A restricted fire season requires permits to be obtained from the Waikato District Council for all fires in the open air with the exception of barbecues, hangis, brazier type fires and fires within a properly constructed incinerator fitted with a lid or mesh spark arrestor to stop embers.  

Applications for permits can be made by contacting one of the Waikato District Council’s offices. 

Principal Rural Fire Officer Andy Baker says that the introduction of a restricted fire season is the result of the climatic conditions, with little rain and high temperatures contributing to a rapid increase in fire weather danger levels.  

“An open fire season has been in place for some months and we hope that those needing to burn large piles have already done so, removing the need to burn when the fire danger is higher.  

“Our main concern is the ability for fires to spread which is heightened by the dry condition of fuels and wind. Of particular concern are the areas of peat soils where fires can become deep seated and difficult to extinguish,” he said. 

Mr Baker adds that people must light fires in a responsible manner, ensuring they are safe, constantly monitored, and will not spread or cause any smoke nuisance to neighbours or nearby road users.  

Costs may be borne by the person responsible for lighting a fire or the landowner so it’s important care is taken when lighting fires.