Date: 2nd April
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
A message from our Principal Rural Fire Officer - Bruce Janes.
“We urge people to consider the appropriateness of any burning at this time. Any fire is likely to result in a smoke report with more people being at home. This then results in fire crews, the majority of which are volunteer, having to leave their family bubble to investigate. This in turn has the potential to jeopardise the health and safety of the wider community.”
“The volunteers don’t have a bottomless supply of PPE – given the countries other essential services demands on the same products such as masks, sanitiser, gloves etc.”
“Fires are by Permit only , and we are generally only issuing permits to priority burns such as Crop Stubble and land management burns. To stop false calls, we are requiring nearly all permit holders to ring the fire communication centre to advise of lighting their burn, to help prevent false calls.”
“ We appreciate people are at home, and what better time to “get that burn done….”? , but we ask they hold off until after the lock down so we don’t have a whole lot of unnecessary exposure – which is the whole point”
Further information about fire season is available at www.fireandemergency.nz
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Date: 12 March
Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand
The fire season in Hurunui and Waimakariri will change from prohibited to restricted effective from midnight tonight (12 March). This means all of North Canterbury will be in a restricted fire season from tomorrow.
Principal Rural Fire Officer Bruce Janes says if people want to light a fire, they should go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check whether they need a fire permit [as fire permits are required to light fires in open air during a restricted season].
"Your permit will require you to meet specific conditions to help you manage your fire safely," he said.
Janes wants the community to remember the area is still in a period of very high fire risk.
"While we are satisfied the dangers have reduced, permits for the Hurunui and Waimakariri will be carefully managed. In particular there are still dangerous conditions around Omihi and Cheviot and not every permit will be automatically granted."
"More on-sites will be carried out and potentially strict conditions will be applied to permits when they are issued."
Go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check the fire season in your specific location and for tips to make sure you and your family stay fire safe.
Further information about fire season is available at www.fireandemergency.nz
