Fire ban to be lifted

Recent rain has eased the fire danger so the fire ban across Southland will be lifted on Saturday (February 25). A total fire ban will remain in place in the Naseby area. Southern Rural Fire Authority principal rural fire officer Mike Grant said a restricted fire season will be put in place across the province, which means a permit has to be gained to light an open fire.

During a restricted season, permits do not need to be gained for camp fires, barbecues, incinerators, offal holes and hedge trimmings, but these do have specific conditions, including never lighting them when it is windy and not being within 30m of a building, trees, hedges or material that could catch fire.

Anyone who lights a fire in the open is responsible for making sure the fire is safe and does not spread, Mr Grant said.

"Even if you light a fire with a permit, or in an incinerator or a barbecue, it's still your responsibility if it escapes and damages property or has to be put out by the fire service or a rural fire crew," he said.

Authority staff are available to help with advice for landowners on fire safety and Mr Grant urges people to consider possible risks and impact of their fire and to take all necessary precautions to ensure it is safe at all times.

Fires should never be lit when it is windy, or strong winds are forecast.

The Southern Rural Fire Authority staff issue permits, but it can take up to five days to check the applications, particularly if a site inspection is required, so Mr Grant urges people to think ahead if they plan to burn off.

Fire permit applications can be made by phoning 0800 773 363.