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Get In Early For Xmas Fire Permits

Friday 7 December 2012, 4:33PM

By Far North District Council

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NORTHLAND

Get a permit now if you are planning to light outdoor fires in rural areas of the Far North district during the Christmas/New Year holidays.

That is the Northern Rural Fire Authority’s message to Far North residents.

The authority has decided not to issue fire permits from 21 December to 7 January, so fire officers are able to enjoy Christmas with their families.

People planning outdoor fires in rural areas during this period should apply now for a permit and allow up to 72 hours for a fire officer to inspect the fire area.

Permit applications can be obtained from www.havingafire.org.nz Aupouri Forest Headquarters, DOC’s Kaitaia and Bay of Islands offices or Far North District Council Service Centres (phone 0800 920 029 or 09 401 5200) during office hours.

The authority declared a restricted fire season in Zone 2 (all areas outside the Aupouri and Karikari Peninsulas and coastal areas near Kaitaia) with effect from December 10 earlier this week.

A restricted fire season is already in place in Zone 1 (the Aupouri and Karikari Peninsulas and coastal areas near Kaitaia) where permits are needed year-round to light outdoor fires.

This means that, until further notice, it will be an offence to light an outdoor fire in rural areas without a permit.

Permits are not needed for gas and wood-fired barbecues, braziers or hangi fires as long as these comply with safety guidelines which are provided on www.havingafire.org.nz