End of restricted fire season

After one of the longest, driest summers in the District’s history, which included a 10 week long fire ban, Taupo District Council Rural Fire Authority is lifting the restricted fire season in accordance with Section 22(2) of the Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977.

From Thursday 1 May, an open fire season will be in force meaning fire permits for open fires will no longer be required.

Principal Rural Fire Officer Phil Parker thanked rural land owners for being responsible during a very difficult fire season however reminded those lighting fires to take care. “Even though the restrictions have been lifted, people still have a responsibility to follow common sense practices when lighting fires in the open,” said Mr Parker.

Some basic rules to keep in mind when lighting any fire include:
· Always make sure the fire is in a safe place away from buildings, other vegetation, power lines and boundaries with neighbouring properties and don’t burn at night
· Do not burn plastics, rubber, synthetics, green vegetation and always ensure there will not be any smoke or odour nuisance to neighbours
· Keep the fire to a manageable size and not over 3 metres high
· Never leave a fire to burn unattended – even in colder conditions, fire can spread quickly and unpredictably
· Please use a mesh over the top of your drum fire at all times

If a fire starts to get out of hand or is a danger to people or property call 111 for the emergency call system.