Stratford parched

Stratford is drying up. Warm weather without any significant rain has resulted in a high fire risk and looming water restrictions.


Stratford District Council Services Asset Manager Mike Oien says, “we are currently one week of dry weather away from imposing water restrictions. South Taranaki has had restrictions in place for a week already, and without at least two days of rain in the very near future we will have to follow suit.”


But Principle Rural Fire Officer Kieran Best doesn’t think a rainy day is likely so soon. “According to the forecasts” he says, “the next rainy day isn’t due until 15 December. And that’s only showers.”


Rural fire restrictions are being imposed from Wednesday 5 December to attempt to reduce the fire risk that comes with the lack of rain, hot weather and drying winds. Kieran says “those wanting to light a fire will need to apply for a permit to do so. It’s free to apply for one; it just allows us to monitor the suitability of the location for the burn, making sure the risk of the fire spreading is minimised.”


“People who are lighting fires are responsible for the control and supervision from the time it’s lit until it has completely burnt out, but I’m happy to advise and assist with the planning of a burn,” Kieran says.


Stratford residents are reminded to be particularly careful at this time of year with water usage, and fire risks.