Due to the warm weather, and dry as well as dangerous conditions, as of midnight Saturday 9th December a Restricted Fire Season will be declared for the Waimakariri District.
This means fires cannot be lit in the open without a permit from Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
The restriction has also been declared for the Christchurch City (including Banks Pennisula), Selwyn District and the Hurunui District.
According to Fire and Emergency Canterbury esclatation to extreme fire danger is close. However the lack of Nor West winds has helped. It’s reported conditions haven’t been seen like this since the ‘Summer of Flames’ in 2003/2004. Without some significant rainfall this fire season will likely be serious.
It’s suggested by Fire and Emergency NZ Canterbury to be prepared, cut grass when it is cooler, have a water source closer by if the grass is really dry, and watch out for stones in the grass that could cause sparks if struck by the blades.
Fire and Emergency NZ Canterbury have said they haven’t seen similar conditions since the “Summer of Flames” in 2003/2004 and all fire indices are climbing quickly towards extreme. The lack of strong North Westerlies thus far has helped limit the fire risk, however unless there is significant rainfall the district is headed towards a serious fire season.
North Canterbury Fire and Emergency Principal Rural Fire Officer Bruce Janes says “We want people and property to stay safe this summer. If anyone sees anything suspicious, call 111 and report it. If you’re intending to burn you need to understand the risks and make sure you plan for the worst case scenario. Take the necessary precautions to stay safe.”
A fire permit allows you to light a fire in the open air in a specific location in a restricted fire season. There are conditions on the permit, these relate to where and when you can light a fire. You must comply with the conditions of the permit and it is an offence to light an open fire without a fire permit during a restricted fire season.
Bruce says getting a permit is easy and doesn’t cost anything, “All you have to do is log into our website and follow the directions. The permit system helps us to know who is burning and when so we can deal with enquiries.”
Permits also give FENZ a chance to check out how the fire is being managed, and can help you plan to make sure it is totally out and safe.
Jurisdiction over fire seasons and issuing of permits is now under the control of FENZ. If you have any concerns over non-permitted or unsafe burning practices, or if you want to find out more about obtaining a fire permit – https://fireandemergency.nz/
