Vigilance call as fire risk increases

Changes to the way seasonal fire controls are managed on land adjoining the Department of Conservation estate does not mean property owners can afford to be less vigilant, Far North Principal Rural Fire Officer Lance Johnston said today.


While there was no longer a requirement for permits for open fires in some areas within one kilometre of some DoC land, property owners still needed to be aware of the council's seasonal fire status and comply with these requirements.


"We would encourage land owners to continue to be careful and keep an eye out for any advertised restrictions. If in any doubt, landowners are urged to call us before setting any fire.

It's better to lose a few minutes calling us than to face the potential cost of a fire raging out of control and threatening adjoining properties," he said.


"Not all margins have been lifted with DoC retaining jurisdiction on land adjoining areas of high environmental values and where there has been a history of high incidents of fire," he said. The department had notified property owners in areas where safety margins had been lifted.


Mr Johnston said the warning was particularly topical after a period with little rain and warm, dry winds. Fire fuels were getting dryer and the likelihood of an accidental fire was increasing daily.


"We will hold off as long as possible but it is almost inevitable that restrictions will be introduced within the next few weeks.


"I would also urge landowners intending to burn off large areas to contact either the council as the Rural Fire Authority or their local fire brigade. You don't have to advise us, but a courtesy call will help conserve resources and negate the cost of unnecessary callouts," he said.