With weather forecasts predicting an extended period of fine, warm and sometimes windy conditions, fire risk continues to escalate. Waikato Regional Rural Fire Committee chairman Andy Baker is advising people across the Waikato region that it will increasingly difficult to obtain permits to light fires in the open air. Currently in all local authority and Department of Conservation areas excluding Hauraki and Thames Coromandel Districts, restricted fire seasons are in place. In the Hauraki and Thames Coromandel including DoC land, a complete fire ban exists until at least February 8th meaning fires are completely prohibited. In the remaining areas, permits can be applied for, however Mr Baker says that the current and forecast conditions are such that the issuing of permits will become much more controlled with some authorities holding off from issuing any more permits until there has been a decent amount of rainfall.
Mr Baker added that there have been a few examples of fires getting out of control unexpectedly including one at Great Barrier Island and another near Waingaro Landing. “ In these conditions it only takes a moment for a fire to get out of control and people need to be aware that whoever lights a fire is responsible for the outcome of that fire and any costs associated with controlling it and damage caused whether a permit has been issued or not.” Anyone with a query regarding fires is urged to contact their local council Principal Rural Fire Officer or DoC office.
Finally, Mr Baker says “ most of our fire fighters across Waikato are volunteers and it is unfair and unreasonable to expect them to have to give up their time and often money to fight fires that could have been avoided if people used a little more common sense.”
Enquiries to:
Andy Baker Phone 021 555 266.
Chair, Waikato Regional Rural Fire Committee
Principal Rural Fire Officer, Waikato Rural Fire Authority