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Fire danger remains high in Papakura District

Thursday 28 January 2010, 2:30PM

By Papakura District Council

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PAPAKURA

Recent rain showers may have given some relief for gardens and farms, but a restricted fire season across all of Papakura District remains in place and will not be lifted until there is “significant and sustained” rainfall.

That’s the message from Papakura District Council and Principal Rural Fire Officer Andy Baker as the heat of summer continues.

“While there have been brief periods of showers and rainfall over the summer period, we are reminding people that fire weather danger levels are still high or very high. Fires can spread very quickly in these conditions,” he said.

This means anyone who wants to light a fire must apply for a permit from Papakura District Council.

Mr Baker says the number of people applying for fire permits each year increases but there are still a large number of people lighting fires without permits in the District.

“Fires lit without permits are illegal. Property owners significantly increase the danger of any fire by ignoring the need to have a permit, because we don’t then know whether there are added risks to what they want to do.”

Mr Baker says if an unpermitted fire gets out of control, property owners are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire along with any damage caused. In some cases they may also be prosecuted.

“Getting a permit is simple, free and while it does not remove responsibility for managing the requested fire and making sure it does not get out of control, it does give the permit holder some guidelines as to how to mitigate risks associated with fires and it does give us a record of where and when fires are being lit in the District.”

Hot temperatures, average humidity levels and strong winds are three key factors that can influence fire behaviour and make fire extremely unpredictable.

Mr Baker urges people who are contemplating having a fire to follow these steps:
· Apply for and receive a fire permit from the Papakura District Council

· Ensure the fire is in an area clear of other vegetation (long grass etc), buildings and fences

· Never leave a fire unattended

· Have a means of controlling the fire available – hose, spade or machinery

· Never light a fire in strong winds or when wind strength or direction is forecast to change.

The seasonal forecast is for the end of January and early February to be hot and dry with the occasional passing rain front. Mr Baker says while rain does ease fire danger temporarily, only sustained periods of rain will significantly reduce the fire danger and people should not be fooled into believing a few centimetres of rain will make it any safer to light fires.